you must use gasket sealer or it will leak.  Been running the same copper head gasket for 10 years now.  And x2 on not using the head stay.  You dont want that torquing on your head.

I use 3bond 1211. 

Also, you can call cometic if you dont want to use copper.  They have some special ones and make them per your bore size.  I forget the name but they are different than the ones you buy off the net.  Im sure someone can chime in.