I've safely used a fel-pro 1059 at 12.5:1. main thing is keeping the fire ring away from the cylinder bore.
Thanks L is there a rule of thumb for how far away ?
i had to get my fel-pro catalog out to check the number. the number is 1039 not 1059, my mistake. this gasket was an easy/ reliable choice for a big bore and alum heads. rule of thumb on distance of fire ring from bore? I never came up with one but I know from experience the 1009 is a no-no. the 1039 has a 4.590" bore, per the catalog and the fire ring is comfortably distanced from the bore on a 400 or 440 block. I used the 1039 on a 4.375 bore 470.
1039 looks like great gasket. My only concern is the additional.020 ish in thickness. How might this affect the pushrod length. Solid roller. Also may be worth mentioning thes are iron 440-1 heads. Thanks for all your insight. I think I’m leaning towards the 17059 . Same thickness as the 1009 previously used on this engine, but a larger bore . It seams guys have used them with the 12-1 ratio.
G
I've never used the 17059 so I can't honestly comment on it. the 1039 is the head gasket indy cylinder threw at us and it was a real problem solver. I was thinking the 1039 was .012" thicker than the 1009,...? I wouldn't buy push rods for .012", unless your on the ragged edge with push rod geometry. maybe your just going to have to gather some gaskets up and mock it up to see what's the best fit,....?
