Copper Head Gaskets

[Ray Hamilton]

There have been several discussions about thin copper head gaskets used to increase compression here. I'm building a 2.8 to 3.1 hybrid RWD iron heads, #981 3.1 crank and 3.1 pistons. Compression around 8.8. Would these copper gaskets give me a little more compression and what are the shortcomings and any extra machine work necessary? Also where do you get them and what's the part number?

Thanks

[TurboGTU]

I think you need to machine o-rings on the block or head to use them after you decked and vaited (spelling?)the block and resurfaced the heads. Not much increase compared to stock gasket for the work. For that much work I would slap on some FWD aluminum head stuff for 11-12:1 compression.

[Ray Hamilton]

Thanks for the reply. Will all the stuff from the TBI work, using the 3.1 aluminum heads and matching pistons with a TBI manifold? I have the pistons for iron heads and the iron heads, so I don't know that this would be worth it.

[TurboGTU]

No, its a totaly different setup from the heads on up. You would have to use the heads, intake mani. and fuel rails from the aluminum head engine. You would keep your pistons you have now.


I think the steel shim gaskets is what you want or the MLS gaskets. They might have a lower compression thickness and don't require prep work like the copper gaskets. SHould give you a jump in compression.

[ForcedFirebird]

No, its a totaly different setup from the heads on up. You would have to use the heads, intake mani. and fuel rails from the aluminum head engine. You would keep your pistons you have now.


I think the steel shim gaskets is what you want or the MLS gaskets. They might have a lower compression thickness and don't require prep work like the copper gaskets. SHould give you a jump in compression.

Don't forget the distributor can't be used either.