I’d appreciate some advice on SB head gaskets. I’m finally ready to build my W2 stroker for my street 71 Challenger, I just need a couple of things including head gaskets. It’s 10:1 compression based on a 39 thou gasket and a 4.060 bore.
First dumb question is – I assume it needs just standard SB gaskets, no special “W2 gaskets”, given that they bolt to a stock block (it’s a 1972 340)?
Second question is what would be a good recommendation? I don’t need anything too exotic, it also needs to be readily available – I actually live in the UK and would like to try and pick these up in LA, San Diego, or Vegas next week when I’m on vacation! So any recommendation for a good place to get them would also be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!
Gavin

Ran these for a lot of years.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1008

^^^ Yup, they've been on my 13.0:1 Batten-head SB for decades.
Zero problems ever.

Many years here as well.

Same as the other guys: I've used the FelPro 1008 on my 360 motor, doing a W2 stroker right now and that's what's going on there as well.

NOTE: That gasket has a 4.180 bore diameter...so a small impact on the static CR, we are talking 0.05 on a 4.030 bore block.

I run a cometic because I need a .056 thickness, but if I didn't I would run a 1008 no doubt.

W2 requires only the standard design head gasket.

However, the advantage of running a hi-perf head gasket (such as the Fel-Pro 1008), is that this particular head gasket features a stainless steel cylinder armor, wrapped around an internal pre-flattened wire O-ring. That design is similar to a diesel engine design which highly fights off the cylinder armor from fracturing during extremely high cylinder pressures... and/or detonation/pre-ignition... which is a common occurrence for most hi-performance engines -- sooner or later. In contrast, Fel-Pro's standard head gasket #8533 (as well as most other manufacturer's standard designs), simply have a tin-plate folded-over cylinder armor without the internal wire O-ring.

You pay for what you get.

The Cometic MLS head gaskets are superior for sealing combustion, however, they require an extremely smoot surface finish for both the head and block. Unfortunately, some machine shops cannot perform that extremely smooth surface finish and check it with a surface profilometer to confirm the specs of the surfaces (yet some can and will... $$).

Whatever you choose, the goal in the end is to avoid detonation/pre-ignition.. regardless of your static CR.... as it can happen even at 10:1.

Finally, do yourself an extra favor and use new head bolts (ARPs preferred)... following their installation instructions... the old OE bolts may have been likely stretched beyond their desirable clamping force.

I'm a former Applications Engineer from a major gasket manufacturer.

The 1008 is all I've ever ran on my small blocks, even my current Indy headed 434.

Awesome, really appreciate the advice, sounds like the 1008's will do the job nicely.
Other than the small compression loss, no other negatives of the 4.180 hole on my 4.060 cylinders?

If anyone has any leads on where to pick these up locally in any of the locations I mentioned it would be appreciated. I can get them from Summit etc but shipping is a little complicated as I will be staying in hotels.
I believe the usual parts stores (Autozone etc) will get these in but they are over $70 each as opposed to Summit etc at just over $40 - a big difference!

Thanks again

Any friends in the area that you are going to visit. If so make up a 100.00 order to get the free shipping and have it shipped to their house.

Unfortunately not ....hence looking for a local pickup. Could have them shipped to hotel and I may end up doing that but if I had an alternative it would be better!
Wil actually be at the NHRA race in Vegas - wonder if Fel Pro might be there selling stuff......

Thanks!

It is like 6 hours away from Vegas but there is a summit warehouse in Reno. Probably something cool to see while you are in the states.

Summit goes to many of these races. I’m betting they will be there. I’ve had stuff sent right to the track.

As for FEL-PRO being at the races, unlikely... nor would they be selling anything (Fel-Pro was sold over twenty years ago to Federal-Mogul, then Federal-Mogul was sold off entirely to Tenneco, and Tenneco was recently sold off entirely to Apollo ... this may never end)!

Its up to the distributors to be there and then sell/promote products. Good chance that SUMMIT (a huge "distributer") would be there.... I'd reach out to them and see IF they'd be there (at the races)... and perhaps if you'd pre-pay... they would bring whatever you'd want to the races for you to pick-up.

I think you misread the point I was trying to get across. I linked summit in my above post and SUMMIT sponsors and attends many many races. He could arrange summit to have his order at the track for pickup. I’ve gone right to their (summit) booth to pick up parts I’ve ordered.

Hi John,

I agree and understand what you are saying. Summit would realistically be the best choice... and they'd likely have it in-stock.