Maximizing quench

[eventhorizon66]

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 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?

[VileZambonie]

I wouldn't for longevity of a street truck.

[eventhorizon66]

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.

[Blue 82]

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



 

[joesgarage71]

 I use steel shim head gaskets all the time but never have used ones with rubber coating.

[eventhorizon66]

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.