Head gasket

[mannella]

I have noticed that everyone machines the head to compensate for the thicker head gasket, other than lowering the compression a bit what would be noticeable if one didn't machine the head. I'm asking this because I'm looking at an engine that is suppose to be rebuilt and I don't think they had it machined the head.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back:

The Stock '65 advertized numbers are 9:1 CR and 120 hp (Gross). Using the same criteria, just swapping to a .050" head gasket would drop the CR to 8.5:1 and reduce hp to 113. The change would also effect mpg by reducing. The change would be most noticeable when accelerating. The engine would feel less powerful. Replacing the shim gasket with a better sealing composite type was/is fairly common. The change usually solved the typical seep issue. On a stock, street engine the difference is noticeable, but not dynamic.

Adios, David

 

[mannella]

thanks for the info