cylinder head gaskets.

[Warren Friedrich (12139)]

I'm just not able to get an answer on this problem. I have ordered the Fel Pro 1027 gasket for my '71 LS6 Corvette. This engine is still original, with no head surfacing or block decking. This Fel Pro gasket is .039 in thickness. The gasket taken out was .034 compressed. Does anyone know what thickness the original head gaskets were? How much will this gasket compress? I certainly don't want my compression to be any lower than factory!

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: cylinder head gaskets.

Warren------

The nominal compressed thickness of the Fel-Pro 1027 is 0.039". So, if it measures 0.039" prior to installation, then it must not compress very much.

The original gasket for your application, GM #3981920, is long-since discontinued. I don't know the original thickness but it sounds like the compressed thickness is 0.034". I don't know where to get a gasket of the same thickness as the original. If it were me, I'd use the 1027 or a multi-layer steel. However, you won't get a multi layer steel any thinner than the 1027.