If you are going to run a turbo, are the steel head gaskets better as far as living with boost is concerned. If so, how much is resonable??

Rick

I've heard the composite/FelPro gaskets are best, and will hold about 10-13psi of boost. More than that, and copper gaskets w/o-ringing is supposed to be best. I haven't heard anyone using the stock steel type on boosted apps - maybe Charlie S can weigh in here??

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I have not run the steel shim gaskets, with the turbo. I have run the Felpro, and a couple other brand composition gaskets. I wanted to run a thick gasket, to help keep the compression ratio down. Right now I have the block "O" ringed, with a copper head gasket from the Cox Bros. I forget how thick, but it is the thickest one they have. Have to go to the shop to check my notes for the thickness.
Rick
As for how much boost to run. There are many variables. How will the car be used? what CR? What fuel? Blow thru, draw thru, carb, or injection, throttle body or port? Inter cooled or not. My sugestion is start about 5 psi, and work up from there. Maybe to about 9-10. After that things can get a little touchy. Biggest thing I learned. Stay out of detonation. That eats rings, bearings, head gaskets, and pistons. Not necessarilly in that order, or one at a time.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

As most of you I'm always looking for a good deal on good parts. I was able to pick up 3 new steel head gaskets at a local Chrysler dealer for $7.00 each. Some where down the road I would like to try a turbo and thought maybe they would be a little stonger than the composite gasket since they are all steel. But it sounds like the composite may be the way to go?


Thanks,
Rick

I know what you mean about looking for deals on parts. I saw a add on e-bay for some rings for a massey-ferguson combine with a slant six. The M-F dealer didn't list the size, so I call the 800 number. Got the rings for $9.99 and off e-bay got 10 brand new 225 con rods, for $5.00 ea., 13, shim head gaskets, $3.00 ea., 20 push rods, $1.00 ea. Bought all the slant parts they had. Another vender was selling rod bearings, all different brands and sizes. Bought all he had $4.24 per engine set. Just got a set of Sealed Power moly rings for $21.00. Can't find any real deals on forged crank main bearings, though.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Slant six powered combine? My dad used to have a Case combine that had a Chrysler flat six. Bet it sounds cool.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2