I was just mocking up my engine, when i placed the new SCE head gaskets in place, I noticed that some of the holes in the block don't line up perfectly with the holes in the head gasket....Will this cause cooling problems or any oil problems? Did anyone else run into this before?

 

Any ideas on this one? Would it be possible to drill out the gasket so the holes line up better?

 

Sorry, I can't directly answer your question. But I am curious about your choice of a copper head gasket. Is this a race car? Every copper gasket I have ever seen seeped coolant and was not suitable for a street car. Also, they are not needed except where cylinder pressure are VERY high (high boost, huge nitrous) or when a very thick gasket is needed to lower CR or to increase piston to valve clearance. If you have those Titan ACS, maybe they won't leak - they have a rubberized coating which is supposed to prevent leaks. If you have a regular copper gasket, fudgedaboutit.

Rich

 

It isn't really a street car, but i sometimes drive it on the street, i bought them looking for something that would support high boost....any other suggestions on a good head gasket for high boost that wont leak? Thanks

 

The Cometic would be a better choice, but as with copper the heads and block deck need to be flat, smooth, and straight to avoid leaks. I have run my LT1 with 26psi and the Fel Pro #1074 with no issues. How much boost are you planning on?

Rich

 

Only difference is the smoothness you need to run. A cometic needs to be very smooth at 30Ra or better while the Titan ACS is 60Ra. The lower the number the smoother the surface needed.

Bret

 

whats the factory Ra finish on the LT1 blocks?

 

Got me, they never leave me at factory spec. I know on LS blocks they are dam nice from the factory for surface finish, I would expect the same out of other modern GM blocks.

 

I'm running commetics on my stock block without any issues.

 

Is it an LT1 gasket? I don't see any in their catalog.

 

Are you lucky or do you know of others?

 

My friend ran them on his LT1 with no problem, I know a few people with them on Ls1's personally, and they are pretty much the gasket of choice on Ls1tech for ls1's.

 

The Cometics seep in about 50% of the motors I have seen them on when the decks have not not been specifically prepped for an MLS gasket.

Rich

 

Even the Titan ICS will weep a little bit in my experience, even with some hylomar or copper coat sprayed on the gasket - I see just a slight bit of wetness at a couple spots sometimes, but they hold insane cylinder pressure. For a street car even with moderate boost pressure the fel-pro's and studs will hold just fine like Rich said.

 

How much for the broached head studs? Best place to buy?