440 head gasket

[benno440]

just wondering what the proper head gasket bore size i should be getting.
my 440 has been stroked to 505 with .30 bore size.

4.320 bore size is standard does that mean i need 4.350 thickness gasket?

i was unsure about this as i saw 4.410bore thickness gasket, is this the correct size?

thanks in advance

 

[RustyRatRod]

A little more info. What compression range are you looking for? I assume aluminum heads? If so, I would go with the 4.350 to help keep compression up.

 

[benno440]

ported stealth heads i already bought 4.350 cometic .40 compress thickness gaskets for extra compression, but then i saw gughes engines 505 stroker kit saying they use 4.410 gaskets and wasnt sure. block has been decked and longer rods etc. so pistons stop at top as it is a 75 low comp motor.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Most head gaskets don't come very close to the bore and at times are not even round. You should see the FE Fords. The 4.410" will leave about a .030" space per side and I don't see how that can hurt anything.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Oh, and one very important detail. If you have a late model block it's possible there is a huge bore chamfer, so measure it to make sure the 4.410" ID gasket will work. And I would add a little extra to make sure the gasket stays clear of the chamfer.

 

[benno440]

yeh well the 4.350 gasket isnt round like your saying so it looks like it might cover the bore a touch.

so you recommend getting a 4.410 or slightly larger? i just want to do it correctly and make sure i am getting max compression for the parts i have.

thanks

 

[Cranky]

You don't want your gasket to over hang or even be all too close to the edge of the bore so that it avoids being burned. They come with a fire ring but it's not fool proof. If you are .030 over bore, you are at 4.350 so the 4.410 should be safe.