406 head gasket decisions
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From: Tacoma, WA
Car: '91 Chevy 1500
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
406 head gasket decisions
I'm building a mild-ish 406 and I'm not sure which head gaskets to get. I'll probably go with some Fel-Pro's, but with the narrow space between the cylinders, I'm not sure which bore size to use.
I've heard that I should get a 4.155-4.166 gasket because there is more surface area to seal between the cylinders. On the flip side, I've heard I should use a 4.200 gasket because it's pulled away from the flame and the flame is what can cause the gaskets to fail.
Any thoughts?
I've heard that I should get a 4.155-4.166 gasket because there is more surface area to seal between the cylinders. On the flip side, I've heard I should use a 4.200 gasket because it's pulled away from the flame and the flame is what can cause the gaskets to fail.
Any thoughts?
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Use a 400 gasket with steam holes, for sure.
I suppose if you use a copper gasket you wouldn't have to worry about flame.
I suppose if you use a copper gasket you wouldn't have to worry about flame.
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From: Prescott Valley AZ
Car: 87 Iroc Showcar - Saturday Nite Hun
Engine: 383 4-Bolt Truck Hyd Roller MiniRam
Transmission: B&M 700R4 - Edge 3200
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt-TA Cover & Stud Kit - 3.2
Re: 406 head gasket decisions
We ran quite a few 372 & 378 C.I motors in our stock cars, way
back, which are destroked 400 sb's.
We ended up having to O-Ring,(Stainless) and run copper head gaskets
with copper coat applied and studs.
Worked out great most of the time and only had problems when we tried
to push the timing to far or motors got excessively hot. Only when we ran
the dirt.
Then would blow across inner cyl's. Break out the nickel rod
We were also running a little over 13 to 1 Comp.
In your case would not worry about problems as long as Deck and head surfaces are nice and flat. Head studs are nice but a pain in the --- in our cars.Ask Me.
Good FelPro and retorque after run in, hot or cold depending on iron or
aluminum heads and good to go.
I'd Run the Felpro 4.155 set with above recommendations.
HTH
Later
back, which are destroked 400 sb's.
We ended up having to O-Ring,(Stainless) and run copper head gaskets
with copper coat applied and studs.
Worked out great most of the time and only had problems when we tried
to push the timing to far or motors got excessively hot. Only when we ran
the dirt.
Then would blow across inner cyl's. Break out the nickel rod
We were also running a little over 13 to 1 Comp.
In your case would not worry about problems as long as Deck and head surfaces are nice and flat. Head studs are nice but a pain in the --- in our cars.Ask Me.
Good FelPro and retorque after run in, hot or cold depending on iron or
aluminum heads and good to go.
I'd Run the Felpro 4.155 set with above recommendations.
HTH
Later
Last edited by jaykar; Nov 25, 2009 at 04:53 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 222
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From: Tacoma, WA
Car: '91 Chevy 1500
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 406 head gasket decisions
I'll probably run the 4.155 Fel-Pro's then. I'm not sure why they are double the price of the 4.2's though.
The heads are flat and the block was decked, so I'm hoping I don't have any problems. Also, not running giggle juice or boost of any sort.
The heads are flat and the block was decked, so I'm hoping I don't have any problems. Also, not running giggle juice or boost of any sort.
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From: Prescott Valley AZ
Car: 87 Iroc Showcar - Saturday Nite Hun
Engine: 383 4-Bolt Truck Hyd Roller MiniRam
Transmission: B&M 700R4 - Edge 3200
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt-TA Cover & Stud Kit - 3.2
Re: 406 head gasket decisions
Even running Nos or boost the key to it would be the timing and mixture
on and off of it. (From the git go).
Lots of 400's running one or the other or both.
The tune is the key.
When you start getting carried away is where you have to take extra
measures.
As to the price of the 4.155's, might have added fire ring. Haven't played
with the 400 in a couple years so not up on new tech.
Later
on and off of it. (From the git go).
Lots of 400's running one or the other or both.
The tune is the key.
When you start getting carried away is where you have to take extra
measures.
As to the price of the 4.155's, might have added fire ring. Haven't played
with the 400 in a couple years so not up on new tech.
Later
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