Head Gasket Help

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May 9, 2005 | 11:34 PM

FalconStng

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Head Gasket Help

Has anyone had experience running steel shim head gaskets on the 390? DSC has steel shim gaskets that are .018" thick. I am considering using them instead of the .041" gaskets. I thought I'd spray them with coppercoat and install. What do you think?

Thanks,

Tracy

May 10, 2005 | 12:29 AM

Putt

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From: Colville, Washington

That would work for a sealer. I hope you have checked valve to piston clearance and piston to deck clearance.

It would be a bummer if that created an interference issue!!

May 10, 2005 | 04:46 AM

FFR428

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From: CT

I use the .015 steel gaskets on my 406 and used the coppercoat. Worked well.

May 10, 2005 | 04:54 PM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

That's what I would have done if I had it to do over again. With the 1.776" compression height pistons in my 390, I measured .012" deck clearance. With the .018" steel shim head gaskets, I would have had .030" clearance between the piston and the head. This is a great number to have, as it promotes good quench. You might not want to take it up to 7000rpm though, as things will stretch in the bottom end and you run a risk of the piston hitting the head. But I think it'll be fine.

One other thing, I hear those steel shim head gaskets are pickey in regards to uneven cylinder block decks, and uneven heads. I'd make sure they are absolutely straight before installing those head gaskets.

May 10, 2005 | 05:39 PM

FalconStng

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Thanks for the responses. I ordered the gaskets from DSC today along with their solid spacer adjustable rocker arm sets and an Edelbrock performer RPM intake. My matching D2 heads are at a racing shop getting a port polish and valve job. Whew....I got caught up in the performance talk and I've spent a small fortune...LOL.