jthorn9

Ok simple question, since I'm completely rebuilding my car, after 2 head gasket blow outs, once S/C caused, one not, I want to make 100% damn sure I get the right gaskets.

This time I'm using ARP stud mount bolts to mount the heads in place.

I need to know what kind of head gasket to use. Last time I used the standard $60 felpro high performance head gaskets, they are on the car now and holding up to my knowledge but the car hasn't been driving 10 miles.

I have SVO GT40 X303 heads and I just want to make damn sure I'm using the correct gaskets for aluminum heads.

Venomantidote95

ARP head studs? Did you use the 1011-2 gasket? There OK gaskets I use them a lot my buddies 347 tfs headed 10lb boosted engine is holding up nicely with that very same gasket! Are there better gaskets sure what do you wanna spend?before you just reclamp those heads make a trip to the machine shop and have them pressure checked! And make sure the surface isn't warped! Just insurance!

jthorn9

I just had them remilled but the guy showed me how to check them for warpage but I'll probably still bring them to him, he was really affordable.

Yes, I'm getting ARP stud bolts for the heads. A lot of people have recommended using them over standard bolts. Currently I have ARP head bolts but been told that the stud bolts get a much better seal and help prevent the aluminum heads from warping off the block.

Any truth to this?

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

yes, the machining process of putting a bolt on a stud makes it a little bit weaker vs a separate stud and bolt (worked in an aerospace machine shop before the economy took a $hitter). anything that needs to be stronger is always a stud/bolt setup.

dont ask me why, something about metallurgy and molecular alignment (i really have no clue...)

i used and am going to use the 1011-2 gaskets and loved them too

mjr46

you may laugh, but use a 9333pt1, it's graphite and works well with the different expansion rates of the metals, allows some shift without blowing, got friends who run them on turbo and nitrous cars as well as s/c cars, run heads studs

jthorn9

Thanks guys, I think before I had the 1011-1 gaskets cause all the gaskets I've had have had steel rings, I knew there was a difference for aluminum heads. Thanks again.

Venomantidote95

I believe those are for oringed heads. Mjr I too know people using those and have good luck!