[TWX]

I finally decided to reorder cylinder head gaskets for the 408 stroker motor. Given the quench pad height on the cylinder relative to the quench space on the head, I need a thicker than normal head gasket. The previous gasket that I had, SCE Gaskets 569096, a small block steel gasket .060" thick when torqued, is apparently not available anymore.

I had actually called Cometic back when I built the motor before taking the heads off for dana44's port job and they didn't recommend their gaskets for my application. I don't want to go much above .060" thick as the point is some high compression with this motor, I also assume that with my 4.030" bore, I should go with the gasket with the smallest bore over mine, and that would be 4.060"There are other thick gaskets from SCE through summitracing, .062" thick, part numbers SCE 069066, SCE T69066, and SCE S69066. The prices range from $130/pr to $250/pr.

Any thoughts on these lines? They're not cheap, but then again, nothing about building a stroker motor is either...

 

[TWX]

Tannon, you can go with anything in the .035 to .060 thickness, the heads were ported to prevent the pinging associated with high compression, don't worry about it. Punch up a compression calculator and the thickness will only add about .1 (that's point one) atmosphere, regular 87 octane won't be able to tell that difference in compression. As far as deck height goes, you have adjustable rockers, right? Height of this limit won't affect adjustment, either.

I forgot, the quench pads stick up above deck height, which was part of the reason why the thick gaskets were necessary. Most people machine the pads down, but because my rotating assembly was pre-balanced I hadn't accounted for that, so the thicker gaskets were necessary.

 

[TWX]

A buddy came over today, we inspected the gaskets thoroughly and the metal rings at the cylinders were all perfect. Ended up just reusing, we'll see if it's good or not.

Retorquing heads when three different fastener head sizes in use is a PITA.

 

[TWX]

Okay, looking at Intake Manifold gaskets. I had previously used Felpro 1213. Now they appear to be special order, none local, though I still have a speed shop to call tomorrow. Mr Gasket has a product, 5840, that has the same compressed thickness as the Felpro, that I can buy at an O'Reilly Auto. Any opinions on the Mr Gasket?