O-ringing the block or "how to keep boost under the hea

[donk_316]

Anyone have experience with this? This is the first boosted motor i have built and now im deciding between copper head gaskets (retarded prices i might add) or O-ring.

When you O-ring the block i know your machine the block and head then use a SS "o-ring" but what about the rest? Do you still use a typical head gasket?

Anyone with experience with this?

[614streets]

Yup I had it done on my 355. They cut a reciever groove in the head and another wire groove in the block deck. Then wire is inserted into the deck groove and a copper gasket is added When torqued to spec the copper will be formed against the stainless steel wire in the deck and crush up into the reciever groove in the head.

I reccommend flat out gaskets. They are silicone laminated copper gaskets. The silicone laminate aids in sealing water jackets.

http://614streets.com/Block.jpg

[geoffinbc]

Probabally overkill. But I guess application will dictate wether it is actually needed or not.

[614streets]

BTW Instead of copper and o ringing the v6, you might want to check out solicor or cometic.

[Hybird]

I have recently asked about this on a couple forums. Seems like too much hassle for me. But the main idea is to use this technique with copper gaskets. Hopefully tomorrow I can call the cometic guys and get a quote on how much one of their gaskets will cost for my 3.1. Its says right on the web site that these gaskets are ideal for aluminum (heads) to Cast iron (block) applications. So I think thats my choice

[614streets]

Probabally overkill. But I guess application will dictate wether it is actually needed or not.

Yup. I talked with the machine shop that did the work on my 355 ( www.fowlerengines.com )and while I was there I told them I was overdriving my gmc and direct port or dual plates and he gave me two options o ring or fel pro wire locs. For my application it was choosing between the possibilty of blowing a head gasket and sitting out a competition race or never blowing a head gasket. If you run copper with or w/o a silicone laminate you need to occasionally check the oil for water contamination.
For a mildly boosted v6 cometic or solicor will definately work. BI/ metal.

http://www.mrgasket.com/pdf/Gaskets.pdf#search='solicor%20gaskets'

[TurboZ24]

I've never had oil contamination issues with my copper headgaskets, just the occassional tiny ass leak down the side of the block. Still pisses me off, though.