Which head gaskets to buy?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 432
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From: Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Which head gaskets to buy?
I have received everything from Jet Hot but the headers for my side pipes. I figured while I tear the exhaust system apart, I might as well replace the head gaskets, intake gaskets, and valve seals. I purchased the Fel Pro intake manifold gasket set, valve seals, and a Robertshaw balanced thermostat. I have been indecisive as to what head gaskets I would like to use. I plan to further modify the engine, and want a head gasket which will take the stress and seal well. I've been thinking about using a copper gasket, like on my Pontiac 400/406 street strip engine, but I would like to hear some input from those of you who have replaced head gaskets on your sb Chevy. What style head gaskets, regardless of cost and ease of installation, would be the best I could install on my 82 Corvette? Any information and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (TransAm525)
Not sure why you feel you need to replace the head gaskets, if they are not leaking, and if you have good compression and your valve guides are not worn badly, you can change valve stem seals with the heads still on the engine, at least that's what I'd do.
If you still want to go ahead and change head gaskets, and if you are running stock '624' heads, then you probably have the OEM steel shim head gasket, which is something like .017" compressed. You should stay with a thin head gasket, or you will loose compression, and performance by increasing your 'quench' area if you use a thicker head gasket.
If you still want to go ahead and change head gaskets, and if you are running stock '624' heads, then you probably have the OEM steel shim head gasket, which is something like .017" compressed. You should stay with a thin head gasket, or you will loose compression, and performance by increasing your 'quench' area if you use a thicker head gasket.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (john's '81 mouse)
One head gasket has an area that will drip a couple drops of water every now and then. I halso plan to have the heads hot tanked, and then I will re-paint them, clean up the valves, and re-install everything. I also plan to change over to ARP head studs (I try to stud every component on my engines) if clearances for sliding the heads on and off allow. What performance head gasket is everyone using on this forum?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,361
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From: Honolulu Hawaii
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (TransAm525)
I've used FelPro Performance Printoseals(?), GM, and currently regular Felpro steel shim. All no problems. Buy a name brand gasket for the compression ratio that you want and everything should be fine.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: winston salem nc
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (nunus79)
If your going to switch soon to a bigblock, why bother at all?
I would leave the engine as is if it is original numbers engine and store it once you go big block. Thats just me though.
I would leave the engine as is if it is original numbers engine and store it once you go big block. Thats just me though.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (TransAm525)
The big block is way down the road. I just dropped over $1700 in a side pipe exhaust system, with about half of it being custom-built to meet the needs of my car and my satisfaction. Changing over now would mean having another set of custom-built headers (with O2 sensor bung) made and Jet Hot coated again. I've been looking around a bit, and it looks like I am going to go with the Fel Pro steel shim head gaskets (.015 inches thick) to keep my compression ratio the same. I was worried a bit about using shim gaskets, but I haven't heard any complaints from those who have used them as of yet. Thanks for the help. Hopefully the headers will arrive from Jet Hot soon so I can get this project started. The anxiety is eating away at me.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
Re: Which head gaskets to buy? (TransAm525)
I've been looking around a bit, and it looks like I am going to go with the Fel Pro steel shim head gaskets (.015 inches thick) to keep my compression ratio the same. I was worried a bit about using shim gaskets, but I haven't heard any complaints from those who have used them as of yet. Thanks for the help. Hopefully the headers will arrive from Jet Hot soon so I can get this project started. The anxiety is eating away at me.
Tom
