How to feasibly increase compression with head gaskets?
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: James Island South Carolina
How to feasibly increase compression with head gaskets?
I have about 9.3:1 compression on my 350 with iron heads. How can I choose a head gasket that will increase the compression? How many compression points (or fraction thereof) would it raise it and will it seal properly? I realize this may be a question wtih many variables but any input is appreciated.
Le Mans Master
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From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by surfshark
I have about 9.3:1 compression on my 350 with iron heads. How can I choose a head gasket that will increase the compression? How many compression points (or fraction thereof) would it raise it and will it seal properly? I realize this may be a question wtih many variables but any input is appreciated.
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From: James Island South Carolina
Originally Posted by big_G
Hi G, this states that it is not a valid URL so I couldn't open it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Why not run your own "what ifs"??? ... gaskets, heads, pistons etc ... here's a handy & rather accurate CR calculator:
http://www.campbellenterprises.com/R...o%20calculator
In a 350 ... Going from a thick composition 0.041" FP 1003 to a thin shim 0.015" FP 1094 will raise CR about 0.5.
http://www.campbellenterprises.com/R...o%20calculator
In a 350 ... Going from a thick composition 0.041" FP 1003 to a thin shim 0.015" FP 1094 will raise CR about 0.5.
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,599
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From: San Diego CA
If your block has not been decked the .015 steel shim head gaskets will be the best for performance. Besides the extra .5 compression it will maintain the quench that is ideal, that being .040 to .045. The replacememt stndard .038 to .041 head gaskets are too thick on an undecked block for best performance.
There is a drawback to the steel shim gaskets as the head bolts should be retorqued after several heating/cooling cycles.
There is a drawback to the steel shim gaskets as the head bolts should be retorqued after several heating/cooling cycles.
Last edited by corvgreg; Mar 28, 2006 at 11:51 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
Originally Posted by corvgreg
If your block has not been decked the .015 steel shim head gaskets will be the best for performance. Besides the extra .5 compression it will maintain the quench that is ideal, that being .040 to .045. The replacememt stndard .038 to .041 head gaskets are too thick on an undecked block for best performance.
There is a drawback to the steel shim gaskets as the head bolts should be retorqued after several heating/cooling cycles.
There is a drawback to the steel shim gaskets as the head bolts should be retorqued after several heating/cooling cycles.
-Mark.
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From: James Island South Carolina
Thanks for your responses. They've been a great help. I have been on the road today and couldn't respond earlier.
Comp, the gaskets I have right now have a compressed thickness of .041. I have about 9.3:1 (give or take) compression and would like to bump it up over 9.5 if I can. Thanks again!
Comp, the gaskets I have right now have a compressed thickness of .041. I have about 9.3:1 (give or take) compression and would like to bump it up over 9.5 if I can. Thanks again!
