Steel shim head gaskets...

[64PI]

Does anyone have any experience with running steel shim head gaskets? The SCE Pro Seal Steel Shim Head Gaskets 534252 or Mr. Gasket Head Gaskets 1132G. They both compress at .020" and that's what I need to hit my numbers(10:1). Will they last on an iron head street driven engine without leaking?


Fred

[blykins]

What's your quench distance with a .020" gasket?

[64PI]

.060-.065".. The pistons are .040-.045 in the hole. They are TRW 406 flat tops. No reliefs at all. The heads are C4ae G heads with 75CC chambers. Not ideal I know.

[blykins]

Do you have the finish for a .027" Cometic?

[64PI]

Yes I do, the block and heads have had a light cut.

[blykins]

If you can afford the extra .007", I'd feel better about an MLS gasket sealing up than taking the chance on a copper or steel shim gasket. 

[64PI]

Another .007" I don't think is going to be the end of the world. I'll spend the money and order up the cometics. I'd like to get the 4.165" bore gasket but they are out until July through Summit. Do you have a source that might have some in stock? If not I will order the 4.25" bore gasket.

[blykins]

Cometic always says that, but they usually poop them out in about 2 weeks.  Essentially everything they do is order on demand. 

[Tommy-T]

To the original poster, yes I have plenty of experience with steel shim head gaskets on FE Fords. In the late '70's early '80's I used the Ford 427 folded lip shims, the McCord shims, and the Fitzgerald folded shim head gaskets that Dove sold.

At the time it was the only style head gasket that would hold up to the nitrous systems of the day...meaning that if you got into detonation the composition gaskets available then would blow BIG. The shims hold up well until they don't. Easy to tell when they give up. After a night of street racing, come out the next day to start the car and no crank. Pull out the plugs, crank 'er over and watch the water shoot out over the fenders.

I've been tempted for nostalgia sake to try 'em again. But I'm too chicken. The newer stuff is leaps and bounds better. Do what Brent says, go Cometic.