Head Gaskets?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Clymer PA
Head Gaskets?
I am unsure of what head gasket to use :confused:. What do you guys think about running Mr. Gasket steel shim head gaskets? They aren't very expensive, they are thin (won't lose much compression) and I can't imagine that they would blow out on me?
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Head Gaskets? (bence13_33)
I like a composite gasket. The solid head gaskets can weep. I have a o ringed block so I am forced to run the solid copper gasket but with my nitrous motor I liked the composite.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Carlisle PA
Re: Head Gaskets? (bence13_33)
There's always the Felpro #1017, granted they are .039 - .041 thick, not like the shim you mentioned above. Along with the fact they are $30 - $35 a pop..
But I just thought I'd mention it.
But I just thought I'd mention it.
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Re: Head Gaskets? (70PurpleLS7)
I've run those exact gaskets for years on the 427 and lots of others. I've NEVER had one blow or leak. Including when I was running a two stage Nitrous system on it.
They are a critical step to establishing quench height especially if the pistons are still down in the hole .017-.020. My block had never been decked but I was able to achieve .036 or so deck height.
I never add sealer to them, though some folks do. Just make sure the surface is straight on head/block and put 'em on.
Jim
Try to end up with .035-.040 total clearance from the piston to the head.
They are a critical step to establishing quench height especially if the pistons are still down in the hole .017-.020. My block had never been decked but I was able to achieve .036 or so deck height.
I never add sealer to them, though some folks do. Just make sure the surface is straight on head/block and put 'em on.
Jim
Try to end up with .035-.040 total clearance from the piston to the head.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Indiana
Re: Head Gaskets? (bence13_33)
Bence, I've run the steel shim gaskets on two of the 3 buildups in my vette(including my current motor) and also in my streetrod. Using the compostite gaskets is usually more reliable and definitely easier, but if you need the added compression like I do, then the steel shim gasket is the way to go. There are different ones too. Felpro makes a coated steel shim gasket that is .018", and of course there are the .015" uncoated one too. The biggest concern will be block or head inperfections that could allow a leak to occur, but if done right, it will be fine. I ended up using copper spray on mine, but aluminum paint will work too. Read my topic from last year about this subject. There is very good advice and tips that will help you make up your mind http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=147534
I should also note that I have never had a steel shim gasket fail yet. Just be sure that you can keep the heat down in that big block. I would have to guess that excessive thermal exspansion or any warpage will most likely be fatal for the steel shim gaskets.
Tom
I should also note that I have never had a steel shim gasket fail yet. Just be sure that you can keep the heat down in that big block. I would have to guess that excessive thermal exspansion or any warpage will most likely be fatal for the steel shim gaskets.
Tom
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Re: Head Gaskets? (bence13_33)
I put the steel shim gaskets on my car a couple years ago in an effort to raise compression a tad while I was in there for other stuff. I used some permatex copper spray gasket crap. Worked fine and I haven't had any problems. I don't see a need for a thicker more expensive gasket.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Clymer PA
Re: Head Gaskets? (427Hotrod)
Sounds like I'll be using the steel shim head gaskets. Whenever my stuff was at the machine shop they checked the surface area of the heads and the block to make sure they weren't warped. They said that both were fine.
Thanks for all the information guys! Slowly but surely you guys are helping me work my way through this project. :cheers:
Thanks for all the information guys! Slowly but surely you guys are helping me work my way through this project. :cheers:
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Re: Head Gaskets? (bence13_33)
Just a side note... I forgot....
For some reason all the Mr Gasket ones I used over the years required me to use a die grinder to slightly open the holes that fit over the alignment dowels/bushings. Everytime. Seems like their hole puncher was a little off. Happened on several engines, but it's no big deal. If you hit that snag, just make them fit. I've also used GM one's with great results.
Technically they are supposed to be installed with the beads facing down toward the deck. No one ever does it that way, and they still work anyway, but I figured I'd throw in a little extra trivia!
Jim
For some reason all the Mr Gasket ones I used over the years required me to use a die grinder to slightly open the holes that fit over the alignment dowels/bushings. Everytime. Seems like their hole puncher was a little off. Happened on several engines, but it's no big deal. If you hit that snag, just make them fit. I've also used GM one's with great results.
Technically they are supposed to be installed with the beads facing down toward the deck. No one ever does it that way, and they still work anyway, but I figured I'd throw in a little extra trivia!
Jim
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