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Engine 88 GT head gasket question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Comp Cam
  • Start date Start date Feb 25, 2019
C

Comp Cam

Member
Jan 11, 2019
41
2
8
Lenexa,kansas
Feb 25, 2019
#1
  • Feb 25, 2019
  • #1
So I'm thinking about going turbo this year. I was wondering if I run a 9333 feel pro head gasket will I have to my head's machined? Or can it just be dropped in as is?
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
3,432
1,524
194
Maryland
Feb 26, 2019
#2
  • Feb 26, 2019
  • #2
With boost in these 5.0 engines the head gasket installation needs to be perfect or near perfect. With only 4 bolts around each cylinder, theses engines are already known for head gasket problems. Add the dramatically increased cylinder pressures of a boosted application and head gasket problems will show up unless you take all measures to ensure things are as good as they can be. Both heads and block deck need to be properly checked for flatness. Anything out of spec even .001 and you're asking for trouble.

I had 9333's with milled heads and ARP head studs. Head gaskets still wouldn't hold. I didn't solve my problem until I had the block decked and went with Cometic gaskets. That was my experience anyway. Others may have different
 
C

Comp Cam

Member
Jan 11, 2019
41
2
8
Lenexa,kansas
Feb 26, 2019
#3
  • Feb 26, 2019
  • #3
John Dirks Jr said:
With boost in these 5.0 engines the head gasket installation needs to be perfect or near perfect. With only 4 bolts around each cylinder, theses engines are already known for head gasket problems. Add the dramatically increased cylinder pressures of a boosted application and head gasket problems will show up unless you take all measures to ensure things are as good as they can be. Both heads and block deck need to be properly checked for flatness. Anything out of spec even .001 and you're asking for trouble.

I had 9333's with milled heads and ARP head studs. Head gaskets still wouldn't hold. I didn't solve my problem until I had the block decked and went with Cometic gaskets. That was my experience anyway. Others may have different[an, I'm starting to lean towards a deck block.
John Dirks Jr said:
With boost in these 5.0 engines the head gasket installation needs to be perfect or near perfect. With only 4 bolts around each cylinder, theses engines are already known for head gasket problems. Add the dramatically increased cylinder pressures of a boosted application and head gasket problems will show up unless you take all measures to ensure things are as good as they can be. Both heads and block deck need to be properly checked for flatness. Anything out of spec even .001 and you're asking for trouble.

I had 9333's with milled heads and ARP head studs. Head gaskets still wouldn't hold. I didn't solve my problem until I had the block decked and went with Cometic gaskets. That was my experience anyway. Others may have different
Click to expand...
Well man, I'm leaning towards the cometic gasket because I don't want that problem. Any idea on how much it would cost to have my head's resurfaced for comectic gasket?
Click to expand...
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
3,432
1,524
194
Maryland
Feb 26, 2019
#4
  • Feb 26, 2019
  • #4
I think I paid $60 per head for milling. It can vary widely depending on shop and location. When the heads are off, get the deck fully clean and check it with a straight edge and feeler gauge.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uek6pwtzDhA
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
3,432
1,524
194
Maryland
Feb 26, 2019
#5
  • Feb 26, 2019
  • #5
In the above video, obviously the block is out of the car. But you can check it with the block still in the car.
 
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