[nUcLeArEnVoY]

I actually have better luck with cork gaskets. I tried the thick cushiony edelbrock gaskets made of the foamy rubber material and they leaked like sieves.

The key is to have a straight valve cover for one. Rather than use a hammer and dolly, just position each warped area into a bench vise using the perpendicular lip as a stop, and press into it as tight as you can to flatten it out. It won't work on all types of bench vises but it's the best way to truly flatten them out.

I also use load spreaders for some extra insurance. Don't care if they don't look stock - sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do.