My 406 blew the left head gasket last weekend at the strip,(lean condition caused overheating,shoulda backed out but didn't!)I've got it torn down,everything but gaskets made it unharmed.

What's everyones thoughts on head gaskets?I was running a stock type Fel-Pro,and considering that I know the cause,figured on going back with the same.I am running alum. heads,no steam holes,(normally there's no overheating problem due to way overkill alum. radiator),11:1 compression,nothing all that exotic.I know that copper is considered"the ultimate",but I'm not going to tear it apart to o ring it.What's everones preferred gasket manufacturer,and what part #?What about painting them?I usually don't on the composites,but what's everyone else do?

Just wanted some thoughts/opinions/experiances on the matter

 

Drill the steam holes. The temperature of the water going into the engine isn't the issue, hot spots within the block is.

 

This isn't a steam hole issue,I've ran aluminum heads for years without them,I'm asking for gasket opinions.Is there a brand/style/or application method I'm missing out there somewhere?

 

Fel-Pro 1003 if you don't mind putting the steam-holes in yourself, or Fel-Pro 1014 with steam-holes already in.

 

So the 1003 has a 4.155 bore?not worried about steam holes.Is this the black gasket?Been looking into those,and I understand that they are supposed to be better,I just haven't read why they are.Any info?

 

Both are composite gaskets for aluminum heads with a steel core and pre-flattened stainless steel wire rings.

1003 is 4.166" bore, .041" thick
1014 is 4.200" bore, .039" thick

 

Thanx man,just 1 more question.Is this something parts stores carry,os is it a Jegs/Summit item?I'd like to jam this thing back togethor in the morning and GO RACIN!

 

Call the parts store in the morning and ask them if they have them in stock. Most should be able to tell you if any of thier local stores have them, too.
You've already got the part number

 

The 1003 should be on the shelf everywhere, the 1014 is a little less common. Both will be in stock at Summit and Jegs.