So all my issues with temp and gauge readings are leading me to head gasket.

I warm it up, take it for a drive and it runs consistent 190 until I bang through the gears right away it climbs up 5* then back down. But the real sign is after I get home, I let her cool off a bit, purge the system and find tiny bubbles on the top if my water in the rad, then I can get high off the exhaust smell when I stick my nose in it...damn it.

Am I wrong here?

What are some good recommendations for head gaskets? Im at 11.7:1 compression and wouldn't mind lowering it a bit via gasket thickness.

 

Fel Pro Performance offers some slightly thicker gaskets.

If you live near an O'Reilly's, you can "rent" a combustion leak detector setup to verify your problem. You have to pay for the tool, but you get the money back when you return it. The fluid has to be purchased outright, obviously.

 

Good thinking. I should test it to be sure, ut the old sniffer can definitely smell it...

 

With that kind of compression (11.7/1? - really!!!) you could simply be having the head lift a bit under heavy load. Retorque your head bolts on the tight side of the range and see if that helps. Years ago when Fel Pro had to change the head gasket compound they were using (removed the asbestos), we experienced the same problem, and Fel Pro gave us higher torque settings to try on the head bolts. Can't remember what they were, now, but at one time they were included on a note inserted into the gasket box. Could be that you have damaged the head gasket by now, so, if you replace, it would be a good move to try a thicker gasket.
Best,
Al

 

Thanks Al. I will re torque them soon. Need to find the specs. I have copper gaskets so the should be good still.