I've been reading some references to a Fel Pro head gasket that is .029" thick, but searches have turned up nothing. And I don't see it available anywhere either. Can someone give me a part# for one of those?
Also, I've heard about bearings that are .001 undersize. I miked my crank and the clearance is about .003 on the mains and .002 on the rods on a .010 under crank. Is that too loose? Is there a bearing that's .011 undersize?
I've noticed in the rebuild manual that there's a different spec for each of the different main bearings. I'm hoping that maybe I can get someone to explain the whys of that, as long as we're on the subject.

Thanks for all the help

 

Sorry about the size

 

AJ: good post....

that chart should be a sticky....

.003" on the mains is ok but is on the top limit.
should be fine No bigger....

.002" on the rods is good.
As long as the rods were resized..
She'll be race ready right away......

GM Performance parts sells a good .028" composite head gasket. Should be able to order it through any GM dealer.

ROL and Detroit Gasket have simular Good stuff available.
they may have an online catalog. Do a search.

 

Thanks for the input.
I'm not 100% sure about the journal clearances, as I mentioned they're "about" .002 (rods) and .003 (mains), possibly larger. I need to get a good snap gauge to find out for sure I guess, since it's on the borderline. Plastigage said the mains are +.003 and I tried to confirm that with a mic but I dont have a way of measuring IDs yet.
Anyhow, what if the journals are looser than .003? Can I get a bearing set a that is .010 under minus .001? It seems like I read an article about that somewhere, but I'm not sure where.
All help appreciated.

 

If the clearances turn out to be larger tha .002" and .003" then getting a (+.001) "select fit" bearing may be a good idea. GM uses these on the assembly line (or used to).
I'M sure they are available.

You'll have to look in the master catalog for the various bearing Co's.

A friendly local automotive machine shop will help ya.

 

Thanks for the good news, I was hoping I'd be able to use this crank without having to machine it.
The GMPP .028" head gasket is a good choice for the street then ?

 

yes

 

childs & albert among others make +.001 or - .001 bearings. if you're looking in a jags or summit catalog they stock or can get a lot of parts that aren't listed.