98 GMC Sierra - Engine Burning Coolant

[BigBlocksRule]

I've dealt with tons of Vortec heads, the only ones I've seen crack were overheated badly. These are thinner castings than earlier stuff, but no more crack prone than any other smallblock head.
The gasket referenced above has rubber "O" ring type seals, as long as the intake and head surfaces are good and clean, there's no reason to have to machine anything, they'll form-fit any small dings and scratches. I've replaced several and never had to have any machined, never had any problems with 'em, either.