why would he go thicker? he's not going turbo. also a thinner head gasket can increase compression .5 point or more. i check into an aftermaket one for your engine, try cometic, very strong. also combine that w/minamal head milling, which is not to expensive, and you could raise compression as much as a point or more...and yes you will feel the difference in power...and no it wont mess w/timing, however you will have to reset the gears, which is always a good idea when the timing belt comes off