454 head gaskets
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,996
Likes: 1,727
From: Richmond Kentucky
2025 Corvette of the Year Winner- Modified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year (stock)
C2 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
2017 C1 of the Year Finalist
454 head gaskets
Replacing the head gaskets on a 454 engine out of a pick up truck. Felpro instructions say to use gasket #8180 PT-2 for blocks with "no holes in cylinder block or with one end hole" which this block has, and use gasket #8523 PT for "block with 3 holes in deck" near bottom, between all cylinders. However, the recommended gasket (8180 PT-2) completely covers one large water passage at the bottom of the deck between cylinders number 2 and 4 and 5 and 7. Has anyone encountered this problem, and if so, what did you do? Hate to have this thing run hot.
Thanks,
Rex
Thanks,
Rex
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 17
From: Saratoga Springs UT
If you don't want to take a chance on head gaskets, call Mark Jones of VortecPro Performance Engines. His specialty is BBC crate engines. Phone number is 719-650-1609, Mountain Time.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 8
But if you don't want to take the ridiculous step of replacing an entire engine that needs a new head gasket, then check the block and head, if both have water jacket holes there then open the gasket in that location with a pen knife or box cutter.
Additional info is on the Felpro page and talks about a large hole at the front of the block. I would follow their recommendations to not cut a hole there.
(Unless a box cutter is included with a Mark Jones BBC crate engine. Commercial added at no charge.)
Additional info is on the Felpro page and talks about a large hole at the front of the block. I would follow their recommendations to not cut a hole there.
(Unless a box cutter is included with a Mark Jones BBC crate engine. Commercial added at no charge.)
Last edited by amtronic1; Apr 14, 2011 at 04:25 PM. Reason: New info from Felpro
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,429
Likes: 1,854
From: Folsom CA
Go to http://www.felpro-only.com/tec_notes...Chevy%20BB.pdf
This is direct from Fel Pro and gives many tips on Sealing the Big Block GM.
These tips were established many years ago and eliminate overheat issues with the Big Block. Hope this helps.
This is direct from Fel Pro and gives many tips on Sealing the Big Block GM.
These tips were established many years ago and eliminate overheat issues with the Big Block. Hope this helps.
