Cascade Crew

alloy · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 3:41 pm Post subject: Head gasket choices

I've got my new motor zero decked and ma looking for .040-.041 thick head gaskets. Been awhile for me since I've built a performance SBC and I'm not up to speed on the new gaskets that are out now.

I've seen ,041 fel pro gaskets for about $25, and I've seen ones for $75. Seems like s huge difference to me. So my question is what is the difference between the $25 and $75 gaskets? I can't find anything online about this. If I have to spend the $75 ($150 total) I will, but I need to know that spending extra $100 is worth it for my application.

chevymad · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 4:53 pm Post subject:

I've never had a problem with most any gasket in a sb chevy application. There are just so many head bolts on these. I think you'll find the more expensive gaskets are MLS or multi layer steel. Your deck and head have to be ultra smooth for them, but they're very tough. If you were pushing the limits with this motor, nitrous, blower, drive like Mike.. then I'd say go MLS. But I'd have no problem using the cheaper fel-pro's myself.

alloy · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks Brandon. I was thinking along the same lines as you, just didn't know specifics.

The motor has been zero decked, and brand new vortec heads, so I could use the more expensive gaskets if necessary. I just want to make the right choice the first time, don't like the idea of pulling the heads on a brand new motor because I chose the wrong gaskets.

I'm looking at fel pro 1003 gaskets. From what I read these are .041 thick. I have "D" dish Keith Black pistons and want to get that quench closed up as tight as possible so I can avoid knocking. The KB's set me back a pretty penny, but they are the ONLY D Dish pistons I found with the proper compression ratio.

chevymad · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:44 pm Post subject:

Don't be so sure that you can use the newer gaskets. Alot of surfacing machines don't make a smooth enough surface. I know ours doesnt. Just going off of memory.. which is a huge gamble.. I think i remember the surface has to be below 30 RA for the MLS gaskets.

alloy · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 11:00 pm Post subject:

Well it sounds like I really don't need the high end gaskets anyway. I'd prefer just to be "all motor" for now. The extra cost and the amount of extra tuning needed seems more than I really want. Especially since I have to rely on my friends to help with tuning. I also don't want to blow my 10 bolt right away either with a power adder.

I'm thinking along the lines to do with the rear as I did with my T5, pull it and replace with something stronger and makes some $$$ off it instead of blowing it apart. I'm sure someone here would want a nice 10 bolt 3.70 with an eaton in it Wink

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 3:10 pm Post subject:

The zz series felpro gasket is the "performance" gasket, and is made of multi layers of metal, with a small rubber coating. This is what I have on my motor, and was recommended for alumn heads.

The 25bux gasket is some composit material.