C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

[Travis Williamson]

What is the best type or prefered head gasket to use?

The metal type or something like the Fel-Pro PermaTorque?

Could you list the advantages and disadvantages for both?

Also, would you re-use your head bolts?

Thanks
Travis

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

what size is your engine?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

Travis-----

Steel shim gaskets were originally used for all 1970 applications. For replacement, I recommend Fel Pro Permatorque. These are expensive gaskets (about $45/EACH), but they're worth it. There are even better (and, more expensive) gaskets out there now, but you don't really need them for a cast iron engine.

As far as the head bolts go, if they are first-run bolts (i.e. they've been in the engine since new and are being removed for the first time), then they're ok to re-use. If they have an uncertain history, I'd replace them. Small block head bolts now available from GM have a different head configuration than originals. There may be aftermarket bolts available through sources like Pioneer Engine Parts and others that are similar to originals, though.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

if the bolt threads are rusty i would not reuse them unless you are chasing points because they may have a lot of the thread material gone

[Travis Williamson]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

Thanks guys.

Joe, do you know if the dimensions are the same for the Fel-Pro as the OEM gasket?

Just wondering what will happen to the compression ratio of the motor.

[Travis Williamson]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

L-46 small block 350

[John H.]

Re: C3 (70) Head Gasket type?

Travis -

The OEM steel shim gaskets are about .019", and the Fel-Pro composition gaskets are about .039"; going from OEM to the composites will reduce compression by about one-tenth of a point.