Decking vs. thinner head gasket

[SilverXJ]

In my build I plan on setting deck clearance at 0 and use a .051" gasket to set my quench. The reason for using the .051" head gasket is because 1) the .041" head gasket is only available from carquest, 2) possibly no availability in the future 3) can not be had in a multi layer steel gasket. #2 also means is if I have to replace the head gasket for any reason in the future and i can't get a .041" gasket I will have a quench of .061"

So anyhow... is there anything bad about decking or my logic?

[Mgardiner1]

Just make sure the machinist measures everything properly. I asked for a 0 deck clearance, and the machinist claimed he left .002 in the hole, but it really worked out to be .009 (avg) deck height which i wasn't too crazy about, but not pissed off enough to remove all the parts again and bring it back to the machinist.

[Alex22]

In my build I plan on setting deck clearance at 0 and use a .051" gasket to set my quench. The reason for using the .051" head gasket is because 1) the .041" head gasket is only available from carquest, 2) possibly no availability in the future 3) can not be had in a multi layer steel gasket. #2 also means is if I have to replace the head gasket for any reason in the future and i can't get a .041" gasket I will have a quench of .061"

So anyhow... is there anything bad about decking or my logic?

I'm glad to see people planing ahead. We get customers who need work redone because one part or another is no longer available. Since you want a .051 quench height then I would just go with the thicker head gasket.

Is there only one company making a .041 thick head gasket?

~Alex

[SilverXJ]

As far as I know the only company that makes them is Victor-Reinz

[gradon]

Yeah the victor-reinz/mopar performance P4529242 is the .043" HG. I ordered the gasket tear down kit P4529245 thinking it was gonna come with the .043", but it ended up being a Fel Pro .051" HG with the crappy cork valve cover gasket and 3-piece cork oil pan gasket(didn't use). If I ever have to take the head off, I will find a .043"(if carquest in fact has it). I asked the machinist to remove .030" from the deck and it came out to be .028", so I have .010-.011" deck clearance +.051"HG=.061-.062" quench.

[SilverXJ]

I will find a .043"(if carquest in fact has it).

I purchased one from them about two months ago..

[1bolt]

Why not just zero deck either way? Whats the rod stretch going to be with stock con rods? .010 or .015? I'm asking here not stating... I seem to recall somewhere between .010" and .020"? There's nothing wrong with .041 quench... assuming your cam selection will allow the valves to clear... If not then machine some reliefs on the pistons

Also as others have noted already, the actual deck is going to end up proud of zero by a small bit anyway, because your machinist will likely only deck to the crown of the tallest (so to speak) piston and rod.

[gremlinsteve]

you will be fine with a steel rod with as much as a .035 quench. would not run any thing tighter. no real reason not to zero deck a motor anymore.

steve

[John]

Why not just zero deck either way?

That is the best approach, .040 -.060 quench is considered good. Either gasket will fall within that range on a 0 decked engine. Careful piston selection/dish size and cam selection and you are on your way to a well thought out build. And you still have adjustments to quench and compression by gasket selection.
John

[IH 392]

My Victor set# 95-3480VR has a the head gasket with # 5997 on the gasket, it measures .043 uncompressed, it says it's for '94-'95 year applications, it has the cork valve cover gasket, I haven't even looked to see if it's compatible with my late ('97) tin cover?

[seanyb505]

Just remember zero decking the block will require custom shorter pushrods. Or do what I did - deck the block and head enough to equal a total of .060 and use a .060 shim for the rocker arms.

[SilverXJ]

it has the cork valve cover gasket, I haven't even looked to see if it's compatible with my late ('97) tin cover?

I don't think it is.

[SilverXJ]

Just remember zero decking the block will require custom shorter pushrods. Or do what I did - deck the block and head enough to equal a total of .060 and use a .060 shim for the rocker arms.

Harland Sharp adjustable roller rockers.

[Mgardiner1]

If you take .020 off the deck of the block, the machinist can probably take .020 of the top of the valve stems without affecting retainer clearance.

[Backwoods Rambler]

If you take .020 off the deck of the block, the machinist can probably take .020 of the top of the valve stems without affecting retainer clearance.

Can anyone confirm this by measuring a loose valve stem they maybe have laying around?