Head torque specs 3.8

Just out of curiosity, would the head torque specs be the same for the composite type head gasket compared with the standard steel type gasket?

As far as i am aware yes. Although the stand practice is to check torque them after the first couple of heat cycles. Then a couple of time after a few tens of miles. Once they stop moving you are good.
Regards
Phil D

on a 4.2 in the Bentley manual they state 54 lbs ft, later models they state 58 lbs ft with the thicker gasket this is series 2 e type,

The composite head gasket I use from David Manners/ XRN recommend 65 ft lbs
And a retorque 24hrs after initial run.
The standard gasket torque is 54ft lbs

I will retorque mine given these specs.