New Style Head Gaskets

[1986coupe]

I am in the process of (and what a process it is!) of putting new head gaskets on my 1986 Corvette with iron heads. I had a really hard time getting bolts out of the TPI and Intake Manifold. The hard part seems to be finished.
Anyway, during one of my breaks I was watching Speed on TV. They were putting new head gaskets on a 1960's Chevy engine. The gaskets didn't requie sealant as it was part of the design. I didn't get the company name though. Any these any good or should I stick to old reliable?

[Mart]

Welcome to CAC, I'm not sure about the head gasket, but thought I would say hello.

I'm in Ontario, where abouts are you, I picked up an 86' iron head last year.

Be patient someone will pop in here with an answer for ya, if you do any work on your vette this is the place to be.

Mart

[tnovot]

Most name brand gasket makers such as Felpro, Victor, Mr Gasket, etc. sell a good quality head gasket. The composition gaskets require no sealant. This really isn't anything new (might have been in the 1960's) but the TV mechanic guys sometimes get a little dramatic. They also skip a lot of important steps.
There is an up and down side (they may or may NOT be marked) so make sure when you install them, you get the bead side up.
Remember to use thread sealant on the head bolts because they go into the water jacket.
Torque the bolts in a center to outside circular pattern a little at a time (maybe 1/3 higher each of 3 times) until proper torque values are reached.

[rrubel]

Also remember to re-tap the threads in the block; otherwise you won't get the correct torque readings.

I was told (while gearing up for the same job) that if I used metal gaskets (recommended for iron heads) then I'd need a sealant. If I used composite gaskets (for AL heads, though some can be used for iron) then they were put on dry. I would call a good parts shop like Competition Products (920-233-2023) and ask them for their recommendation. Just stay away from copper... not good for street use.
[RICHR]

If you use blue Fel-Pro headgaskets,you wont need to re-torque. thats the one to use for a no-hassle installation. opinions are all over the place on this one though!!!!!!! Use what you are comfortable with and good luck!!!!!

[RonJ]

Originally Posted by 1986coupe

I am in the process of (and what a process it is!) of putting new head gaskets on my 1986 Corvette with iron heads. I had a really hard time getting bolts out of the TPI and Intake Manifold. The hard part seems to be finished.
Anyway, during one of my breaks I was watching Speed on TV. They were putting new head gaskets on a 1960's Chevy engine. The gaskets didn't requie sealant as it was part of the design. I didn't get the company name though. Any these any good or should I stick to old reliable?

Nowdays, the way to go is composite, not steel.

Felpro is an excellent gasket.

And it doesn't hurt to put a light "smear" of sealer around the coolant passages either!!! Better to be safe than sorry.

Ron ...

[rrubel]

Drag, doesn't that depend more on the fastener than the gasket? ARP says three steps, at least with AL heads.

Also, I was told NO sealant with composite - but use Hylomar (which I guess isn't technically a sealant) if I felt the urge.
[RICHR]