Blown Head Gasket
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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Blown Head Gasket
I have blown my head gasket twice now and both times were caused by an over heating problem because of a radiator leak. I went to the dealer the first time and a stock gasket was replaced. The second time I went to a small shop and he also bought from a dealer so GM stock headgaskets are all that I have used. It never got hotter than 250 on the gauge. I run a 180 thermostat and it usually stays about 175-180.
I am looking to go with a performance gasket and want your input as to which gasket to use.
I have an LT1 with a Vortec Supercharger and I am only running 5 pounds of boost at max. I very seldom go on boost because it is my commuter car and I drive on city streets and not freeways, which by the way are just as slow here.
Actually, my wife drives the car.
I am thinking about the Fel Pro line but there is Mr. Gasket too. Any help is appreciated.
I am looking to go with a performance gasket and want your input as to which gasket to use.
I have an LT1 with a Vortec Supercharger and I am only running 5 pounds of boost at max. I very seldom go on boost because it is my commuter car and I drive on city streets and not freeways, which by the way are just as slow here.
Actually, my wife drives the car.
I am thinking about the Fel Pro line but there is Mr. Gasket too. Any help is appreciated.
Last edited by Capt Head; Feb 20, 2008 at 12:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
Your wife drives the car? That explains it 
It requires quite a bit of force to blow a head gasket unless something is wrong with the mating surfaces such as a warped head. When you take the heads off, put a straight edge up against the bottom and move it along to find any obvious warping. I highly the block would be warped cause its made of cast iron, but its a good idea to do the same there as well.
Since your running a blower I would recommend a stronger gasket thats made for a blower. Yes it might be overkill but its better to be safe than sorry.
It requires quite a bit of force to blow a head gasket unless something is wrong with the mating surfaces such as a warped head. When you take the heads off, put a straight edge up against the bottom and move it along to find any obvious warping. I highly the block would be warped cause its made of cast iron, but its a good idea to do the same there as well.
Since your running a blower I would recommend a stronger gasket thats made for a blower. Yes it might be overkill but its better to be safe than sorry.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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The head was checked for warpage the first time and I don't have it apart this time yet. I am sending it to a dealership and they will check for warpage. I am also taking my own gasket set and need to find out which set is best.
Yeah, the wife has a hot foot.
Yeah, the wife has a hot foot.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 158
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From: Houston TX
I won't speak for your wife, but...
I've observed in the past that sometimes wives aren't too hip on watching engine temperature... Basically, if I own a car that she drives, it has to be right as rain (with no cute little idiosynchrosies like overheating, bald rear tires, etc.)
I've observed in the past that sometimes wives aren't too hip on watching engine temperature... Basically, if I own a car that she drives, it has to be right as rain (with no cute little idiosynchrosies like overheating, bald rear tires, etc.)
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I found the performance head gasket.
Fel Pro, which is Federal Mogul, has a performance gasket for the LT1. Part number is 1074. You have to do a 3 stage torquing process.
First torque, then go for a cup of coffee
and torque again.
Strart and warm the engine, re torque.
I hope this helps anyone with a similar problem.
According to Fel Pro, they can be bought from Summit, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc. Sounds like a special order.
Fel Pro, which is Federal Mogul, has a performance gasket for the LT1. Part number is 1074. You have to do a 3 stage torquing process.
First torque, then go for a cup of coffee
and torque again.Strart and warm the engine, re torque.
I hope this helps anyone with a similar problem.
According to Fel Pro, they can be bought from Summit, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc. Sounds like a special order.
