Update: I got the driver's side head gasket off... two back bolts remain on the passenger side...

@Extinct If I'm concerned about rounding using a swivel, any thoughts on how to navigate that if you start to suspect one of the bolts may be rounding?

 

Lots of debris and sludge can accumulate in the well around the upper one, clean that out very thoroughly with a screwdriver and brake cleaner/acetone/etc so you can get full, clean, dry engagement of the socket. Be sure to pound the socket down on to the bolt head with the extension and a hammer so you know it is all the way down on the bolt head. As stated before put some valve grinding compound on the inside surface of the socket, this will help it grip the bolt head. When you are removing high torque fasteners with a long extension there is a bit of deflection rotation in the extension. It acts like a spring where it twist in the middle a bit. You will feel the force increasing and tightening as the force goes up. The head bolts when removing typically reach a sudden breakaway torque - a snap if you will. I am sure you felt this on the others. A socket walking off the bolt head is more gradual, it slips will minimal increasing force. If you feel that I would stop and remove the motor mounts to lower the front of the engine until you can get at it straight on. I have never had to do it on a head bolt even with the swivel but I always take great care to make sure they are clean and dry before starting.

 

@Extinct Thank you, followed your advice to a T and I got them all off today. Would it be okay for me to send you a PM?

Thanks again everyone for your tips/tricks/help!

 

Sure, just email to extinct@extinctmotorsports.com

 

They are a beast to get off. Long breaker bar and a buddy keeping things on and level will help. When you crack the torque on the first bolt it will sound like god just snapped his fingers. After you and your buddy stop staring at each other with the " OH $hit, I just snapped the head off the bolt" look on your faces, you will realize that it did not break, but you cracked the torque.

 

This is so much better than what I was going to post. The sound of the bolt coming loose certainly grabs your attention if you're not expecting it.