Head gasket....what else can i do while the block is open?

[CAMAROWITHBASS]

while my mechanic is putting in a new head gasket, what can i do to the engine internally that will improve performance?

I was thinking about a cam, but im not sure if he has to take out the cam when hes putting in new head gaskets.

[dukedusterwrx]

Well the only thing i can think of is buy some P&P heads or have yours done at a local machine shop and also your top and lower intake manifolds they should be taken off so have them done too! thats all i can think of

[AMinor65]

Ask your mechanic about thicker head gaskets. You may be able to up your compression a little if you have the clearance. You'll probably have to use a higher grade of octane though.

[CAMAROWITHBASS]

HMMMMMMM........thicker head gaskets....never really taught of that. Ill ask him tomorrow. thanks

[morbid]

thicker gaskets will DECREASE compression...

[apiccola]

Consider some head work. Definitely replace the valve guides and seals. Shaving your heads can add compression ... but this can alter your cylinder flame pattern in a manner which minimizes or negates any theoretical HP gain from the extra compression. The shape of the combustion chamber and the type of piston installed is critical in this decision. If you do shave your heads, make sure you have the machinist true the angle of the intake manifold gasket surfaces to match the modified heads. If aftermarket heads are available, you'll usually be much happier with them rather than shaved stock heads.

If you race your car every chance you get, be sure to install new head bolts with those new gaskets!!!

If you install a high lift cam, replace the pressed rocker studs with threaded studs.

Since you're in Houston, you might check out the performance coatings available from Polydyn.

[AMinor65]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by morbid:
thicker gaskets will DECREASE compression...<hr></blockquote>


Sorry. You're absolutely correct. It's thinner head gaskets.

[ December 28, 2002: Message edited by: AMinor65 ]</p>

[CartmanSS]

Port match the intake and heads. Even some minor port opening will improve hp. Also, do a cam.

[slacker69]

Thinner gasket, Replace lifters, Replace rocker arm bolts. If you go with a cam whice i would replace vavle springs, Pushrods, and retianers. Make them all a chromemoly so your vavle train will be lighter. And a quick port and polish would be a great gain if you do all i just said you will see a night and day difference when u get your car back. It will be like having a new car all over again.