Engine: gasket construction of Studebaker International V8 head, manifold gaskets

[cwsimpson]

Does anyone have knowledge of the material type of the gaskets SI sells for head, exhaust, and intake manifolds for the 50's- early 60's v8's?
The head gaskets offered are thick (composite) and thin(MLS?). I usually have a pretty positive exchange with the retail personnel there but when I asked about the construction OR the manufacturers of the thick gasket, the guy made me feel like I was stupid for asking. At todays prices, ($40.00 each), maybe I don't feel like grabbing any old thing off the shelf. After that great interaction, I sort of shut down and just wished the guy a good day. Maybe someone out there can help me. Thanks for any info or suggestion regarding preferable constructions or pro and cons that you may have heard in mechanic talk.

[bezhawk]

The thick is a very good gasket. Made by Best Gaskets, and has a soft copper crush ring around the combustion chamber. Much better than the layered original type that seeped between layers, and rusted. The thin is the original thin shim type single layer raised bead steel as used on later cars, and Avantis. They work well to with a good coating of tacky copper spray.
The thin type is good for 1/2 point compression raise over the original layered type. The thick type that they now sell is not as thick as the layered original and is about .3 point lower in combustion pressure than the thin.

[r1lark]

I like the thin gaskets because that do not require (at least, according to the Shop Manual) retorquing. This is especially good on a '63/'64 GT Hawk where the heater box on the passenger side makes retorquing difficult.

[jackb]

I've got a bunch of the thin head and exhaust gaskets.... PM me.

[cwsimpson]

The thick is a very good gasket. Made by Best Gaskets, and has a soft copper crush ring around the combustion chamber. Much better than the layered original type that seeped between layers, and rusted. The thin is the original thin shim type single layer raised bead steel as used on later cars, and Avantis. They work well to with a good coating of tacky copper spray.
The thin type is good for 1/2 point compression raise over the original layered type. The thick type that they now sell is not as thick as the layered original and is about .3 point lower in combustion pressure than the thin.

Bez- Thanks for the info. Probably go with the thicker as I'm not so sure about the block. And I have heard that the Best gaskets have a good rep. Just wish the guy coulda told me that. I don't think retorquing will be a huge deal with my setup ('55 President, 259).

[cwsimpson]

I've got a bunch of the thin head and exhaust gaskets.... PM me.

Jack- not sure how the pm works here,but I appreciate the offer. I'll probably go with the thicker setup anyway.
Have a great weekend.

[Skybolt]

Jack, Still got those thin head gaskets? PM me please.

Len

[rusty nut garage]

To my knowledge there are 3 styles currently being made.
Top of the line kevlar made by best gasket. These are available individually or in a full kit
Stamped steel
Felpro sandwich type,
I have some very good condition McCord head gaskets available as well that are similiar to the Felpro sandwich.
Email me russ@studebakerparts.com or give us a call 602 995-5311

Does anyone have knowledge of the material type of the gaskets SI sells for head, exhaust, and intake manifolds for the 50's- early 60's v8's?
The head gaskets offered are thick (composite) and thin(MLS?). I usually have a pretty positive exchange with the retail personnel there but when I asked about the construction OR the manufacturers of the thick gasket, the guy made me feel like I was stupid for asking. At todays prices, ($40.00 each), maybe I don't feel like grabbing any old thing off the shelf. After that great interaction, I sort of shut down and just wished the guy a good day. Maybe someone out there can help me. Thanks for any info or suggestion regarding preferable constructions or pro and cons that you may have heard in mechanic talk.

[StudeRich]

The thick is a very good gasket. Made by Best Gaskets, and has a soft copper crush ring around the combustion chamber. Much better than the layered original type that seeped between layers, and rusted. The thin is the original thin shim type single layer raised bead steel as used on later cars, and Avantis. They work well to with a good coating of tacky copper spray.
The thin type is good for 1/2 point compression raise over the original layered type. The thick type that they now sell is not as thick as the layered original and is about .3 point lower in combustion pressure than the thin.

To my knowledge there are 3 styles currently being made.
Top of the line kevlar made by best gasket. These are available individually or in a full kit
Stamped steel
Felpro sandwich type,/Cut/ russ@studebakerparts.com /Cut/

Yes AFAIK that IS true Russ (Rusty), I do NOT believe you will get the Real Deal, Thin, one piece, beaded STEEL Head Gaskets any longer from S.I. (their) 1545072 are all the 1/4 Point DECREASE from Stock '57-'64 Compression, Black Kevlar

OR the Thick Sandwich Type 535982 '55-'56 for a 1/2 Point DECREASE on STOCK '57-'64 V8's.

Us "Other Vendors" also sell the Thin Steel Original, Reproduction 1545072, 1957 to 1964 V8 Head Gaskets for the correct factory original Compression Ratio.

If I remember my last order correctly, this is how it CURRENTLY is, if however Brad is correct, I have no problem with that, obviously one of us remembers it backwards.

The thing that most never knew or forget is, that the Thick Sandwich Head Gaskets have been promoted by the Manufacturers and old school Mechanics as the "Best" and INSTALLED as Replacements for SO long that everyone "THINKS" that they were the Stock Gaskets for the Factory rated Compression Ratio on all '55-'64 V8's that they fit. ...NOT!

As stated above, the Thick Head Gaskets were only correctly used by the Factory on '55 & '56's, the Compressions RAISED approx. 1/2 Point with the same 537571 Part Number 537555 Casting Number Heads in 1957 to 1960 by use of the Thin Shim beaded Steel head Gaskets and also with many other Heads from '61 to '64.

I am sure most Stude. Owners "in the Know" on Engines, DO understand that these Compression Numbers 50 years after the fact, are just "ESTIMATES" since Machining Work both Current or Prior on Heads or Block, Head Porting, Piston deck heights etc. all CHANGE the ratio from the "Factory Numbers".