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Aluminium heads coming, what gaskets?

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XCELLR8

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I did a search and only got 3 results, so the question is, will any gasket work? I am new to Aluminium heads (first set), so please be kind. I have seen so many different kinds and price ranges, what am I looking for? I need schooled, thanks.
 
Depends on what you are looking to do,the CC's of the heads plus the thickness of the headgasket can net you different compression ratios. There are guys here that can chime in that have way more engine building skills than I do. Good luck with your purchase...
 
The gasket isn’t specific to the head material. There are a few choices on head gasket brand and materials just get a quality gasket with the correct thickness for your build. I personally would
use a Cometic MLS gasket depending on the thickness needed.
 
Make sure the block deck and head surface is smooth (RA of 50 if I’m not mistaken) if you use MLS gaskets (I would)
 
ARP Head Studs should be used, while ARP head bolts used at a minimum. Do NOT use OEM head bolts as they will damage the heads. A set of Cometic head gaskets would be the best, but High Performance composite gaskets are a lower cost alternative. You need to use a gasket with a "Pre-Flattened Wire" to prevent head brinelling. You don't say what size motor you have, but a 440 uses: PN#1009, 4.410" Bore, 0.039" thk or PN#1039, 4.590" Bore, 0.051" thk. The Cometic gaskets have a lot of different bore sizes and thickness's to arrive at the compression ratio you desire. If you have a different engine size, you can download the Fel-Pro High Performance gasket catalog and look at what the offer. As a fyi, they (Fel-Pro) also carry MLS gaskets too, but Cometic will have more options.
 
69Bee said:
ARP Head Studs should be used, while ARP head bolts used at a minimum. Do NOT use OEM head bolts as they will damage the heads. A set of Cometic head gaskets would be the best, but High Performance composite gaskets are a lower cost alternative. You need to use a gasket with a "Pre-Flattened Wire" to prevent head brinelling. You don't say what size motor you have, but a 440 uses: PN#1009, 4.410" Bore, 0.039" thk or PN#1039, 4.590" Bore, 0.051" thk. The Cometic gaskets have a lot of different bore sizes and thickness's to arrive at the compression ratio you desire. If you have a different engine size, you can download the Fel-Pro High Performance gasket catalog and look at what the offer. As a fyi, they (Fel-Pro) also carry MLS gaskets too, but Cometic will have more options.
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If using studs there is a very good possibility that it will cause an interference issue with header flanges and require the stud to be be cut.
 
Go by what the head manufacture recommends for gaskets and fasteners.
 
XCELLR8 said:
I did a search and only got 3 results, so the question is, will any gasket work? I am new to Aluminium heads (first set), so please be kind. I have seen so many different kinds and price ranges, what am I looking for? I need schooled, thanks.
Click to expand...
Because I'm too lazy to search up every post you have made, I would be curious as to what engine these gaskets might be used on.
 
IQ52 said:
Because I'm too lazy to search up every post you have made, I would be curious as to what engine these gaskets might be used on.
Click to expand...

The engines will be a stock piston 77 400 smog motor ( ~8.0/1 CR) with the pistons down the hole .109". Then the heads will go on a 451" stroker made out of another 76 400 when that motor gets started and built. My thought process was to use the stealth heads to up my CR on the stock motor with the 452 heads (~90cc to 80cc) while the other 400 is being built, then transfering the stealths to the stroker motor. Both motors will be be built for street use in a 77 Cordoba, not the lightest thing. If you think I'm wasting my time putting the stealth heads on the stock 400, then I'll just sit them on the shelf till the stroker motor is ready for them. The reason I went with the stealths is for the stock appearing look, for those who want to know.
 
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I just used fuel pro 8519 and no problems here! A little over 10:1 and 6500 rpm pulls….
 
IQ52 said:
I think the Stealth heads would be okay on the stock 400. AND I would use the inexpensive Fel Pro 8519 PT1 head gaskets on both builds. Just like I did on this build using 346 iron heads................

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/dyno-a-7-5-1-400-sure-why-not.293381/

Gosh folks, even this engine used aluminum Edelbrock Victor heads and the 8519 PT1 head gaskets........

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,81562.0.html
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IQ52 - Since this is my first set of aluminum heads, is there a different torque setting and sequence? Or is it the same as iron heads.
 
XCELLR8 said:
IQ52 - Since this is my first set of aluminum heads, is there a different torque setting and sequence? Or is it the same as iron heads.
Click to expand...
The sequence is the same. Heck the way I remember, the Stealth heads come with torque/installation instructions.
 
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