What are the best head gaskets to use on a mild LT1?

Will standard Chevy small block head gaskets work or are they LT1 specific?

Anyone know what head gaskets would be best to use with o-ringed heads?

Thanks.

 

If you want to raise your compression a bit, go with the 94/95 Impala SS head gaskets.

 

I purchased a used set of Canfield heads. These heads had already had the receiver grooves cut in the heads, and stainless steel metal o-rings installed.

I'm wondering what I have to do to be able to bolt these heads to a stock blocked LT1. I was not aware they were o-ringed when I purchased them. Nobody seems to know the clear answer.

I've heard:

1) That I could merely remove the o-rings, use a stock head gasket.

2) Remove the o-rings, use a Fel-pro "Loc-wire" head gasket.

3) Leave them in, use a Fel-pro 1003 head gasket.

4) Cut receiver grooves in the block to match the o-rings.

5) Remove the o-rings and cut the head down to eliminate to grooves so I could use a stock head gasket. (which would drastically raise the compression ratio)

6) Remove the o-rings, weld the grooves up, then surface the head to get it back smooth. This would still raise the compression ratio up abit.


I just want to bolt these things on. I do not want to have to spend more money modifying these heads or my block to work. If that's the case then I will just sell these heads to somebody who can use them and get something I can. But I can't seem to get a solid answer from anyone on what will work. Took them by a local machine shop today and he's the one who recommended option #3. However he said he wasn't "sure" it would work. And also,....from looking on the web, the Felpro 1003's look to be standard SBC head gaskets, which it seems will not work with the reverse cooling design.

Does ANYONE have some solid answers?!?!?!?!


For more info,.......see this post: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=409647


[Modified by Hi-psi, 4:09 PM 10/15/2002]

 

Ok,......since it seems like nobody on here has the knowledge to answer these questions,.....anyone know who does? Or know of a vendor that is knowledgeable of such things?

 

Not to be flip, but call Canfield. If they came that way from the factory, they will hav a definitive answer. If not, they sould be able to guide you.

 

Well,....they didn't come that way from Canfield. This work was done by the previous owner.

But I may still call them just to see what they have to say about the situation.

 

These guys should be able to help. http://www.speeddemonmotorsports.com/
They are a supporting vendor and really know their stuff.
Depending on the condition of the heads, you might consider having them do a clean up port job. I'd also check with them about your valve spring choice.

 

Call Tom at Champion and ask what he'd recommend. You said the porting was done by them. # is (386) 446-4488.

The Locwires use a larger receiver groove that's machined into the head. That might be a possibilty if the receiver goes through the ring that's already been cut. You're going to have to have the heads machined for the Locwires though.

I'm pretty sure a stock type composite gasket will do what you want with what you already have. Weber Racing is doing what was done to those heads to V-6 Buick heads and you then use stock gaskets. The orings sit back behind the fire ring in the headgasket and give it support from behind to keep from pushing the fire ring out.


[Modified by SloRvette, 5:40 PM 10/16/2002]