Quote:

I think it is important to use the same type of head gasket also. I will say that I have to question the effectiveness of an aluminium torqueplate. I do wonder how well it simulates a cylinder head. I do know of some Comp guys that used thick cast iron plates to simulate their heavy W8 heads.
AL...



Al, you may question the effectiveness, but i can tell you we've done extensive testing on the aluminum torque plates we manufacturer and they replicate the cylinder head extremely well. a lot more science goes in to making a proper torque plate than just hogging out some aluminum to fit a block. i'm sure many would be surprised what we went through with material types, thickness, counterbore depths etc. to get it right.
there are very few blocks where a torque plate won't make a difference, and none for a mopar they i've run into.
all of the factory blocks distort, even the mega blocks and R blocks.

machine shop owner and engine builder