InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

I just want some sort of run of the mill normal, reliable head gasket for a mild street 350 that's .060 over. Iron heads... nothing fancy.

But there are millions and millions of head gaskets for Gen I SBC's, and as far as thicknesses go, I'd like just keep it around .030-.040 range. That should give me a decent quench, which puts me in the "normal" range of aftermarket head gaskets... but I dont know which ones are good and which are bad. What brands and types does everyone use?

Skweezn87

Cometic MLS

doc

I have used Felpro 1010s for years, never a problem. However, the 1010 may not have the right bore for a 60 over block, if that is the case then get the equivalent of the 1010. Just call Summit Racing, they will fix you up.

Guest

I wouldnt touch a Fel Pro 'performance' gasket with a 10 foot pole myself. But for a 'nothing fancy' small block, go with the 'nothing fancy' Fel Pro rebuild gaskets, I think its 7733PT2.

Cometic are nice, but kinda pricey for what you're doing and you need the right surface finish on the block and heads.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

What exactly is the difference?

Guest

In the Fel Pro gaskets? The materials they use. You wouldnt want the 1010 anyway, it has a pre-flattened copper ring and is made for use with aluminum heads. I'd use the 1003 if you went that route. However its not necessary for what you're doing, a standard rebuild/OE style gasket is fine.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

Yea, if you're not doing something wild, just use a normal head gasket.
Was your block decked? Are you sure it's flat within .002"? Same with the heads?
Do you know your deck height? I'd want all that info before buying head gaskets.
The case might be where stock shim gaskets are the right choice for you. That's what i'm putting on my engine. That'll give me .038" quench, and i've had the block and heads decked so they are FLAT FLAT.

85Firebird350

iTrader: (3)

Not trying to steal his thread but I need head gaskets for my 400sbc and I was wondering... My block has never been decked and the pistons are stock dished, but my heads are very well setup along with the cam. From what I was told is they have been milled from 64cc chambers to 63cc and setup for my hyd. roller cam. Do I really need to worry about P to V clearance or do you think I can stick with a .039 thickness gasket.

Chris89GTA

iTrader: (2)

If there is any question in your mind you need to measure it, but w/ a stock type dish piston you should be fine w/ a .039 head gasket.

My 355 is Zero Decked, w/ a .039 head gasket and a .560/.569 lift cam on 1.6 rockers and I had PLENTY of extra clearance w/ a Speed Pro Flattop piston w/ valve reliefs...

85Firebird350

iTrader: (3)

Mines .585/.562 lift with 1.5's with the heads milled and stock non decked block and dished pistons.

ljnowell

they werent milled much, and more than likely it wont be a problem. Seems like I havent seen interference with dished pistons until lift gets to like .700

wrsjr

Personally I'm using Fel-Pro 1094's. I wanted the increase in CR so I went with them.