Installing Felpro Head Gaskets

[66FAIRLANE]

Using the gaskets that come in the Felpro full set with iron block & alloy heads. Pretty sure you are supposed to put them on dry & I have done so before with no problem. For some reason I just have an urge to put some sealer on this time. Does it hurt to add some sealer (maybe non- hardening Permatex No.3) around the coolant holes also or is this a no no?

[blykins]

They go on dry, no need to do anything.

[Falcon67]

Same - dry.  Real dry.  Clean and blow out all the head bolt holes in the block.  Clean your deck (head and block) with rags or paper towels and ATF.  Test wipe with white towel until it come back clean.  Clean off the ATF with brake clean.  Blow dry.  Repeat at least once.  Should be clean enough to lick LOL.  Best practice is 2~4 bolts with heads cut off for guide pins.  Remove gasket from package and do not touch the face or any part of the gasket sealing surface.  Handle by the edges.  Place on block over guide pins.  If using studs, install all  the studs and make sure there is no oil, sealer, etc oozing out around the block threads.  Drop head straight down on gasket.  Install bolts (or nuts for studs) and follow torque sequence and recommended values.  I do whatever it calls for in 3 steps. 

You want the surfaces touching the gasket to be as clean, dry and free of any debris or contamination for best seal. 

[plovett]

Do you all torque the short and long head bolts to different figures?

paulie

[66FAIRLANE]

Thanks guys. I have always put them in dry before but thought I would check if there was a 'better' way.

[Falcon67]

Do you all torque the short and long head bolts to different figures?

paulie

I use ARP items and go by whatever ARP says to use. 

[plovett]

Do you all torque the short and long head bolts to different figures?

paulie

I use ARP items and go by whatever ARP says to use.

Arp uses the same figure for long and short FE head bolts (100 ft/lb), or long and short studs (110 ft/lb). 

[fe468stroker]

I have heard that there is a difference between the full set head gaskets (8554PT) and the 1020's.  Maybe someone in the know will chime in.  For a stock type rebuild iron to iron the 8554 is fine but iron to aluminum I have been told that the 1020's or Cometic is the way to go.  Edelbrock does have different torque figures for the upper and lower bolts/studs.  As stated before, cleanliness and correct torqueing sequence a little at a time until full torque is achieved is key.

[blykins]

The 8554's are .050" thick and the 1020's are .040".  I've used plenty of the 8554's with aluminum headed builds. 

[fryedaddy]

The 8554's are .050" thick and the 1020's are .040".  I've used plenty of the 8554's with aluminum headed builds.

what is the thinnest head gasket you can safely use with iron block and alu heads,and how much does it raise the compression,if any, compared to stock head gaskets

[blykins]

Depends on how far the pistons are in/out of the hole.