OK from the begining, I put together a w2 headed 416sb around 11.5:1 compression ratio. During initial break in the motor started right up and had no blow by or crank pressure for about the first hour of run time. Then i noticed i started getting some smoke out of the valve covers, a little while later the valve cover gaskets blew out. I replaced those gaskets and then the front intake gasket blew out. Next I put a crankcase evac system from summit on and that seemed to help a little but not cure the problem. So my question to you guys is: Do you think I have another problem besides the pressure? And do you have any recommendations? thanks in advance

The first thought that came-to-mind was the rings butted ...and then broke ..

Blowing-out VC gaskets is SERIOUS blow-by.

if you have a lot of crankcase pressure the first thing I would do is a leak down test to see if there is a problem with ring seal.

Got at least one breather, nice new unplugged one?

Yes, I have two brand new breathers with 5/8 hose ran to both collectors for the evac.

There is a mechanical problem in the engine. I second the leak down test or at minimum a compression test to see where exactly. Sounds like rings are not/did not seat... Or as was noted, the rings butted. Tear it down an look.

i think i found the problem guys, the hesd gaskets were blew into the lifter gslleries on all 8 cylinders. My next question is does anybody hsve a recomendation for a pair of really good head gaskets? Thanks again.

wow all 8 cylinders are you sure the deck and heads are flat I am running FelPro 1008's on my 416 with 12.5-1 with no problems and am getting ready to bump it up to 13.5-1

Ya, something else aint right there. If you are running head bolts ( verses studs )you might want to check to make sure they are not bottoming out in the block. Don't know on W2's, but it can be a problem with magnum heads / bolts and LA blocks.

Maybe the dowel pins are too tall to allow the heads to drop down all the way to the deck surface?