BADNOTCH

I purchased a vortech t trim with an aftercooler. It has cog pulleys and is set up for 17 to 20 lbs of boost. I am having my block o-ringed, and I am wondering what head gasket would be the best? I have been looking at the copper ones in Summit ( about a 180 bucks). I am changing my compression to 8.5, any suggestions?

schwindty

How are you changing compression? I personally dont have any expereince with the copper head gasket and especially the ones cut with a o ring so I cant comment on that, but I do know for a fact that installing a thicker head gasket to lower comp ratio's causes problems. As well you are going to have to get new push rods depending on how thick the comp distance is on the gasket.

schwindty

What internals are you running with that 18psi?

BADNOTCH

I am changing my pistons to JE dished blower pistons to lower my compression. I am running forged internals. I am going to keep it a 306, just new pistons, bearings.

schwindty

I was going to buy those JE Pistons for mine but I cheaped out and went with a 9:01 Ratio still with the forged setup though.... They are nice pistons! I wish I could help you more with those gaskets, I did some reading on gaskets and most people just use carbon gaskets on their heads due the the fact they are the weak link dealing with hardcore detonation(easier to change a headgasket than a busted pistons or head)....when you move to o ringed if you get some bad detonation it transfers the force onto the comb chamber and people have had warped opr cracked heads/pistons from the detonation. Thats about as far as my knowledge on this subject.

BADNOTCH

This is a winter project, new motor trans and rear end. I have some time to research. I agree about not wanting your piston to be the weakest link. I will get the car tuned on a dyno at startup, I just dont want to get it together and blow a gasket and Iam right back to where I started.....a big pile of parts. I think I will get some 12lb pulleys and start there. I can always up the boost later.