Author Topic: head gaskets  (Read 4234 times)

SH69Z28

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head gaskets
« on: October 20, 2006, 06:13:07 PM »
In rebuilding my '69 DZ motor, I would like to know what the original head gasket thickness was. My Chevy dealer recommends an .041 inch compressed composition gasket but something makes me think the original ones were thinner.

Thanks.
69 Z/28 Fathom Green, mostly correct with chassis broadcast sheet
69 Z/28 Dusk Blue, incorrect drive train, my driver

firstgenaddict

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Re: head gaskets
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2006, 08:08:30 PM »
Originals were steel shim head gaskets.
Not sure of the thickness but I am going to say somewhere around .015-.020
James
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JohnZ

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Re: head gaskets
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2006, 08:26:45 PM »
The original steel shim head gaskets were about .018"-.019", and shouldn't be used for a rebuild unless the deck and heads are freshly machined; otherwise, use composition gaskets, which are available in several thicknesses from .030"-.050" - they'll seal fine if corner-to-corner deck flatness is within .003", but steel shim gaskets won't.
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