C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Proper head gasket

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Old May 7, 2016 | 07:29 PM
  #21  
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I don't doubt that you know what you are saying, and I really appreciate your advise, but I am just trying to understand all of this. If the original engine spec was .021 and I am now putting on a gasket that is .051 thick, isn't that going to hurt my compression ratio, thus lowering my performance. 89's can't afford to lose any performance
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Old May 7, 2016 | 08:03 PM
  #22  
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Depending on how much you milled the heads it could be more comp than was stock slightly or close with a thicker gasket. Then you have to consider the piston to valve clearance depending on your cam with milled heads and a thin gasket.
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Old May 7, 2016 | 08:08 PM
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Ok, that makes sense, but what if your heads don't need to be milled, and everything is bone stock? Would I go with thinner gasket. I don't know what the difference in cr will be between the two .021 and .051
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Old May 7, 2016 | 08:46 PM
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Google a comp ratio calc, good ones use thickness and bore of the gasket. You'll see the small diff and unless your gonna measure the piston to valve better safe than sorry.
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Old May 7, 2016 | 08:55 PM
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I really believe that the .021 is for "tin/sheet-metal" gasket for a cast-iron head L98 '85- '86. There were thin gaskets done that are coated on both sides for aluminum heads but I didn't bother to look and confirm them. I'd think they're the gaskets mentioned by "Churchkey".
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Old May 7, 2016 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
I really believe that the .021 is for "tin/sheet-metal" gasket for a cast-iron head L98 '85- '86. There were thin gaskets done that are coated on both sides for aluminum heads but I didn't bother to look and confirm them. I'd think they're the gaskets mentioned by "Churchkey".
I have no idea. I'm just going by what I found on line. In trying to use the cr calculator, I am using the following for a stock 89 l98

58cc heads. I think this is standard
4.0 bore
3.48 stroke
.025 piston to deck height I think this standard
I don't know piston dome cc. Anyone know what number to use. I think it might be +12 from some reading I've done

Last edited by mlm0; May 7, 2016 at 11:01 PM.
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Old May 8, 2016 | 12:13 AM
  #27  
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Stock compression for your engine is 9.5 to 1.

Stock pistons are flat tops & should have 4 small valve recesses each probably a total of + 4 cc's.

No need to worry about valve events it is only required when figuring dynamic compression ratio. Your concern is static compression ratio.

Agree with WVZR-1 the .021 thick gasket is not for your application.

Quick figures on my part indicate your compression ratio with the new gaskets will mimic stock compression.

Mic the removed head gasket & comp it to the new gaskets. If there is a difference get gaskets that match the removed units.

All of this conversation is speculation at this point take it apart to see what you need.
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Old May 8, 2016 | 08:47 AM
  #28  
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[QUOTE=Churchkey;1592167846]Stock compression for your engine is 9.5 to 1.

Stock pistons are flat tops & should have 4 small valve recesses each probably a total of + 4 cc's.

No need to worry about valve events it is only required when figuring dynamic compression ratio. Your concern is static compression ratio.

Agree with WVZR-1 the .021 thick gasket is not for your application.

Quick figures on my part indicate your compression ratio with the new gaskets will mimic stock compression.

Mic the removed head gasket & comp it to the new gaskets. If there is a difference get gaskets that match the removed units.

All of this conversation is speculation at this point take it apart to see what you need.[/QUOTE

Alrighty then, .051 it will be

Thanks guys Just remember, it's not that I doubt the info I'm given, I just want to understand everything I can. When I got into guns, I learned gunsmithing, when I got into golf, l learned how to make and repair golf clubs, so on and on. Must have some type of ocd
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Old May 8, 2016 | 12:57 PM
  #29  
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Wouldn't of brought up the other gasket if I knew the heads will milled, my bad!
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Old May 8, 2016 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by BOOT77
Wouldn't of brought up the other gasket if I knew the heads will milled, my bad!

i miced mine off the 85 ironhead, 0.015.
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