blew a base gasket...

[jcs003]

what would cause this beside the common?

not torqued correctly, bad gasket initially and bad gasket surface.

anything else i should do while it is being fixed?

[Ruf Racing]

It sounds like you have stated the obvious. Maybe try some ThreeBond 1211 on each surface of the new gasket for reassurance. Good luck.

[jcs003]

what shocked me is the top end didnt blow. it was leaking out of front(below the exhaust side) and started to happen in other spots.

[Ruf Racing]

To me, it acts like it has a mating surface issue. Just my opinion.

[Aceman]

How loose are your cylinder base nuts? It'd be pretty easy to install them finger tight and forget to come back and tighten them down all the way.

I'd also use Threebond 1211 when you put it back together.