What is the best, most reliable Head Gasket out there?
Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
7 Messages
Page 1 of 1
Sponsored Content
Free Member
Send PMSan Diego, CA - USA
Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 67
Vette(s): '73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.
My 383 blew another head gasket. I'm not the only one here who has built one; 4-bolt main bearing caps, aluminum heads, Edelbrock intake manifold, aluminum headers and all. Got to have clean, flat surfaces and use new bolts in order to handle the high compression of these engines. But there are so many makers of head gaskets out there, WHICH ONES ARE THE BEST? I'm curious what results you folks are discovering with your brands.
Thanks much.
Steve
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support Vette Registry)
m
Lifetime Member
Send PMEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2640
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
What pistons and compression ratio? Maybe a thicker one with copper coat.
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Free Member
Send PMSan Diego, CA - USA
Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 67
Vette(s): '73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.
Hi Shark,
Probe pistons with Dart 23° heads. Came together in a kit, along with rods that had an unconventional way of bolting up, IIRC. I bought a fairly mild cam for it, as I'm not one to seek too much attention.
Kit manufacturer recommended FelPro 1003 head gaskets, and #1266 gaskets for the intake.
Thanks for your question my friend. 👍
Steve
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
m
Lifetime Member
Send PMEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2640
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Hi, seems as if the surfaces are not compatible. Were either of the surfaces milled, plained, or checked for angle? Felpro products usually are superior. If it's just one side, I would suspect warped or improper mating surface.
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Free Member
Send PMSan Diego, CA - USA
Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 67
Vette(s): '73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.
Thanks again. 👍
Steve
Yes, the block (from a '76 C10) had been resurfaced about as far as it can go. Heads had never been touched.
Found one of these in storage. Do you apply dry like I do, or use a sealer?
Steve
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
m
Lifetime Member
Send PMEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2640
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Ut oh, lost my reply. So, it is up to the builder on application. I like Copper Kote. It is a spray sealer to ensure a good mating surface. Dart is a good product, but even NEW parts can be inferior. You say the torque procedure was odd. Are you starting in the middle and working out, and doing multiple stages till the preferred number is reached? Be careful with aluminum.
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
V
Lifetime Member
Send PMBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 447
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
I used Cometic, multi layer. ZZ4
Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Sign In to Like this post
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
Sponsored Content