73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: eventhorizon66 on October 13, 2008, 07:26:41 pm
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Another crazy idea. If I were to pull my heads, say...to change out valve springs, could I reinstall them with a gasket like this (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FPP%2D1094&autoview=sku) and expect them to seal indefinitely on a street engine? I realize this type gasket is less tolerant to warpage in the heads or block than a thicker composition type, but what amount of warpage should I consider too much for them?
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I wouldn't for longevity of a street truck.
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That's what I thought. I guess I'll just wait until I rebuild the engine for performance and zero deck the block at that time.
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GM used steel shim gaskets for years on SBC trucks
I would imagine anything greater than .002" would be of concern.
When torqueing your heads on using a 3 step torque incrediment sequence
I find that torqueing both heads evenly adds to longevity
(maybe it's just wishful thinking)
I like this method,
torque both heads to step one (say 20 ft/lb for example)
then torque both to step #2 (say, 40 or 45 ft/lbs)
then finish em up
vs
torqueing one head all the way tight with 3 steps
then doing the other head with 3 steps
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I use steel shim head gaskets all the time but never have used ones with rubber coating.
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I have also heard of people successfully using copper shim gaskets in engines without o-rings. The only concern I have with shims is, even if the decks are flat enough for a good seal today, 100,000 miles down the road they could be warped just enough to cause gasket failure.