So, back to the engine work.
Headgasket set from Toyota was $115. We went ahead and had them order it. Now here's the difference.
Notice the firing rings are a bit thicker? Not only that. But a "Toyota" headgasket is made from different materials that are meant to withstand the temperatures of these engines. In fact, Toyotas do not get along with aftermarket at all. Now, Supras and Cressidas probably have plenty of aftermarket headgaskets that might be better than OEM. But other Toyotas? GO WITH OEM!!!
Here's another difference...
Take a look at the small holes on each headgasket. Notice the aftermarket has 1 hole and the OEM has 2? So it wasn't getting very good water flow. And the head is designed to have 2 holes!
I'm friends with a lot of the Toyota Van owners who also post on this site. They even told me about the problems aftermarket headgaskets have. I was gonna take a chance and go with aftermarket, but I don't wanna risk blowing another gasket. I don't like taking chances at this point.
So, time to start putting her back together...