Head gasket question

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Jun 9, 2018 | 12:23 AM

Cody1979f1504x4

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Head gasket question

Hi my name is cody and i have a 1979 f150 with a 1976 360 and 4 speed swapped in. It has came time that head gaskets need to be replaced and to try to raise the compression some i ordered the thinnest gaskets available but not realizing it said for 1958-1971 ford fe they are already ordered and delivered so i was wondering if the 1971 gaskets would work on the 1976 engine and if not what are the differences.

Jun 9, 2018 | 08:01 AM

meangreen92

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I don't know, but isn't it possible that the thinner gaskets might be enough to throw off your push rod size requirement?
Other than that, the best way is to compare them to your old one, hole for hole. Overlay them if possible. Someone else will probably come along with better info...

Jun 9, 2018 | 09:28 AM

DB429SCJ

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What brand gasket and part# ?

Jun 9, 2018 | 09:41 AM

NumberDummy

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From: Simi Valley, CA

1958/59 332/1958/67 352: Same head gaskets as 1961/76 390; 1968/76 360.

Jun 9, 2018 | 10:27 AM

Cody1979f1504x4

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The gaskets are mr.gasket part number 1132 g.
I never would have thought about the pushrods, do yall think going from an original gasket probably.041 compressed thickness to a .02 compressed thickness would necessitate a shorter pushrod?

Jun 9, 2018 | 03:24 PM

Blue and White

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Probably won't require pushrod change. Probably being the key word. Changing head gaskets is pretty invasive and can cause other issues. I doubt you will be able to notice the performance gain from .02" shorter gasket. Not worth the time and risk to change it in my opinion.

What is the current setup of the engine... 100% stock or modified? What shape is it in? 1'st step on an FE or just about any V8 is better flowing exhaust. FE especially has restrictive manifolds. Dual exhaust, or duals plus headers. Next would be a small 4 bbl carb. I think you will notice these improvements (if not already done).

Building for higher compression is best done along with complete re-build.

Jun 9, 2018 | 03:52 PM

Cody1979f1504x4

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It has longtube headers, and when it gets tore down it is gonna get a 4 bbl intake, carb, and cam. My grandad put new rings on original pistons and new bottom end bearings in about 1996 then shortly after he quit driving it and it just sat outside. I got it running about a year and a half ago and have since put headers on it and replaced what i had to as it failed. Also has anyone ever used a 428 crank and 390 rods to build a 410 cubic inch stroker, i have heard of this and would like to see what yall think about it.