Whats a good head gasket set to get? I'm pulling my motor apart here in a little while and need some good head gaskets. I have heard that the Mr Gasket MLS ones are pretty good, and how about an all copper set? Just looking for some suggestions.

Block has been decked, heads milled down, 11:1 comp pistons if it helps pick a gasket set.

Thanks in advance

 

if you are planing to spray and race... Crometic is the way to go..

 

factory impala gasket

 

I have been seeing alot of cometics leaking water......Mine did it too when installed.

 

My car is basically a street car, no spray. I plan on setting it up as a road race car and doing some drag racing. I know its 2 completely different suspension setups, but drag racing is just for fun.

Are the factory impalla gaskets better?

 

You will probably have the heads milled also when you take it apart. I would wait to buy your gaskets after you know how far in the hole the piston is so you can run a tight quench. Say around .032-.049.

 

What compression ratio is your target?
What is your combustion chamber cc's?
What is your piston distance in the hole at TDC?

With this info the correct gasket thickness can be suggested. Which outfit you purchase it from will be a matter of intended service and budget....

 

just put a 1074 on it and forget it...its not rocket science.

 

as long as your not zero decked and you dont change the stroke or go with domed piston, running the impala headgaskets will net you a quench of ~.032-.034

 

will "stock" gaskets work on a .030" over block? .060"?

 

sure

 

Thought the motor has only been together a few months???

When you ask about the Mr. Gasket are you talking about the .026 ones???

 

haha i was going to post this same thread...Im buying a 96 impalla ss longblock and swapping my 374 castings on there....Should I use the gaskets suggested by mdacton?

"just put a 1074 on it and forget it...its not rocket science."

 

One vote for Fel Pro 1074. Have not had a problem on boosted engines since I switched - no leaks - seal first time - stay sealed.

 

As cast you realize the 374s are a step backwards from the iron heads right???

Far as gaskets for a naturally aspirated motor I would pick gaskets based on compression, the Felpros are .039 a good choice for a zero deck but leave a fair bit compression on the table. Mr. Gasket and Victor Rienz both offer a .026 gasket and with normal cams on a stock shortblock this is just fine piston to valve clearance and all. Worth almost .4 of a point compression.