Head Gaskets

caladash · Jul 7, 2013

Finally almost done putting my forged rod motor together. All I need are head gaskets and a front cover o-ring. I have a buddy of mine that works at a truck shop that can get International parts at a decent price. I thought about having him order the gaskets for me but while I was reading on how to do the valve springs I came across a thread that mentioned blue ringed gaskets from international that resulted in engine damage. Are there different types of of gaskets that they sell? If so does someone have the International part number or should I just get them from Riff Raff?

backwoodsboy · Jul 7, 2013

I believe International head gaskets are thinner than the ford ones, causing potential valve to piston contact.
I've had good luck with my Fel-Pro head gaskets. $35 a side from NAPA.

caladash · Jul 7, 2013

backwoodsboy said:
I believe International head gaskets are thinner than the ford ones, causing potential valve to piston contact.
I've had good luck with my Fel-Pro head gaskets. $35 a side from NAPA.

Not the first time I have heard that! How much boost are you running? Studded? How many miles are currently on them?

Anyone know the thickness of the Napa ones compared to OEM?

backwoodsboy · Jul 8, 2013

50 psi with ARP's for 10xxx on one set up until I sold the truck. As far as I know the new owner has had no issues.
Another 30xxx at around 40 psi on my current truck without studs. Studs will be going in this summer, along with more booosht.

Don't have the crushed thickness of either gasket off the top of my head. I want to say the Fel-Pro's are .066" crushed but I can't speak for the Ford gaskets.

caladash · Jul 9, 2013

Damn! Looks like I may give them a shot! I don't have anything special. Just a forged rod block with valve springs, push rods, 250/200s, H2E, RR and an Adrenaline. Next build will be more stout. Never would have thought of NAPA. Would be nice to compare the NAPAs and Fords gaskets.

backwoodsboy · Jul 9, 2013

That's almost an identical setup to what I ran up until selling the truck.
The reason I went that route initially was advice from Jim at Rosewood Diesel. Apparently he is running over 70 psi on Fel-Pro gaskets and head-studs in his race truck.

caladash · Jul 9, 2013

Hell yeah! My truck runs and pulls like a champ! Absolutely ridiculous! I still chuckle every time I roll into the throttle! My 19 month old daughter laughs as well! The PMRs just have me worried. I have some H11s going in as well.

Arisley · Jul 9, 2013

That is pretty much my exact setup. And in 5/8's fuel feed line, and dual super duty pumps. You need more fuel for those injectors. Fun setup.

caladash · Jul 9, 2013

Arisley said:
That is pretty much my exact setup. And in 5/8's fuel feed line, and dual super duty pumps. You need more fuel for those injectors. Fun setup.

Once my forged rod motor goes in we will fine tune! But YES! It's a very fun set up! Can't wait till I have some cash to do the same to our Excursion!

backwoodsboy · Jul 10, 2013

caladash said:
Hell yeah! My truck runs and pulls like a champ! Absolutely ridiculous! I still chuckle every time I roll into the throttle! My 19 month old daughter laughs as well! The PMRs just have me worried. I have some H11s going in as well.

It's a fun setup, no doubt. I miss that truck still. Got it running just the way I wanted it and no sooner sold it :doh: