need another head gasket opinion

[usetaboost]

I was wondering if anyone has used the headgaskets that come with the felpro kit? My motor is an 82 and its going in an 87. A guy on blahblah.org has a current discussion going on this also for his 85 gn. His kit came with the same gaskets. I'm on a tight budget and I don't plan on doing any track time or anything like that till I get a scanmaster and I don't plan on running it hard on race gas. The car is pretty much all stock and will be that way for awhile aside from a power plate and usual friendly boltons. Hell here it is:
http://www.gnttype.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6488 Tell me what you guys think or if anyone's tried em out yet.

 

[Jerryl]

Here is my opinion (Yeah, Everyone has one ……. )
First off, I have never used this gasket.

Now, if you prep everything correctly and install it correctly (decked head and block) you may have no issues up to a point. The “point” being the main variable. I see you mentioned “race gas”, therefore I ASS-U-ME you plan on some boost (whatever that may be).

While stock gaskets have been known to hold up in the 25 PSI range, some have failed at 10 psi as well. Therefore no one will know based on your combo, boost, tune, condition, etc. what the outcome will be.

I learned the HARD way, that boosted applications are not very forgiving. With the correct gaskets, installed correctly, you are just increasing your chances of demonstrated success. It would be interesting to see the results if you continue the route.

 

[usetaboost]

I'm not trying to be a cheap ass, I just don't have a lot of money to spend, one income, wife and little one, a stupid cat, the never ending "fixing up the house" throw a turbo buick in it which is last in line. Not building a race car, just a cruiser for now. I'll get a little more serious and take more time and money when I find a 109 block again. I'm obviously going to be the one that's going to test the limits of the weaker stuff!

 

[1QUICK85]

I always used the fel-pro headgaskets right from the parts store, don't know the part number. I never had a problem. I thought they held up pretty good. More then 15#'s of boost and saw lots of knock a couple of times without a problem. -Nick.

 

[conn84gn]

Blow a head gasket two weeks ago
Felpro 1000 is what I'm replacing mine with
I'm going to replace both since I'll have the engine out of the car along with the new oil pan gasket in case I have anti freeze in the pan
I'll let you know the cost on the gaskets I pick them up tomorrow

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I used Felpro 1000 as well and I am running 19-20 lbs boost on 93 octane with Alky. No problems so far. Brad

 

[jhef83]

I found the Felpro 1000's on eBay for $36.95 each. I should take those N/A gaskets back for a refund. I told the counter poge it was a turbo. I wouldn't use them for the simple fact that pulling heads is not a job I'd do for $75. Not on these cars anyway.

 

[usetaboost]

1quick85, are those headgaskets like the ones in the pic or are they different?

 

[conn84gn]

Just paid $48.00 each for the Felpro 1000

 

[1QUICK85]

1quick85, are those headgaskets like the ones in the pic or are they different?

Looks like Fel-Pro 1000's are the ones I always used. I was able to get them from my parts store, don't remember how much they were.

What is the difference in the N/A and turbo gaskets?

-Nick.

I just saw your picture on gnttype.org, I have seen those gaskets before. I think I may have actually used them once. I remember installing gaskets with the red on them. What is the difference in the aftermarket N/A and turbo gaskets??

 

[cool 84 2]

Looks like Fel-Pro 1000's are the ones I always used. I was able to get them from my parts store, don't remember how much they were.

What is the difference in the N/A and turbo gaskets?

-Nick.

I just saw your picture on gnttype.org, I have seen those gaskets before. I think I may have actually used them once. I remember installing gaskets with the red on them. What is the difference in the aftermarket N/A and turbo gaskets??

Usually the "turbo" gaskets have a thicker fire ring. There is a difference, NA aftermarket headgaskets will blow in a turbo motor even without detonation. Stock steel shim work very well and are cheap if you can find them. I've been running the 1000s for a while now with a pretty healthy setup with no problems. If you cheap out on the headgaskets now, you could be rebuilding the whole motor later when you fill it up with water and antifreeze.