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View Full Version : Copper head gasket on Gen 6 454


HawkX66
03-23-2018, 05:33 PM
I have a Gen VI 454 +.030" that I'm building. I had the block decked .010" and the heads are razor straight. Does anyone see any issues with running an SCE Pro copper head gasket? They're supposed to be for O ring heads. Mine aren't, but my understanding is that I can use the copper spray and they'll seal fine with flat heads/block. The reason I want to use them is to tailor my compression and quench. Standard gaskets didn't get me where I want to be. With the copper gaskets, I'll be at 9.75:1 and .046". Price is right also at $100.50/pair. I think that will wind up perfect with my roller cam. .241/.249 @ .050 and .625/.625.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SCE-P14322


Just because threads with no pics suck, here's a couple of pics of my build progress.



https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/26992826918_f7c70911d4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H8gi2y)


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/40182023614_7c4a7dd146_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24dKnGA)


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4702/38814134890_f82b48e37e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/228SA3f)

mockingbird812
03-23-2018, 05:59 PM
I think Grady has copper gaskets on his L88 (in his sweet red lil '67)

HawkX66
03-23-2018, 06:42 PM
I think Grady has copper gaskets on his L88 (in his sweet red lil '67)
Excellent. Thanks Sam. I think it's common to do, I just never have done it before.

mockingbird812
03-23-2018, 06:48 PM
Nothin' like a freshly painted BBC! What kind of numbers are you looking for?

HawkX66
03-23-2018, 07:32 PM
Nothin' like a freshly painted BBC! What kind of numbers are you looking for?
I couldn't agree more. I even spent some time grinding casting flash off and smoothing this and that. I wasn't in a hurry... A little cleaning, some Seymour EN48 and a propane torch and whalla. We have a nice Chevy orange big block.
I ran my specs through a desktop dyno and came up with this. If I'm anywhere near it, I'll be happy. She's not a race car. Usually....


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/809/40825584071_b1ab004ebc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cBMNx)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/26955685378_2868bc2ce9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H4YW9b)


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/802/39992337595_6801d0d056_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23VZbDZ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/40178165284_81f2500f31_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24dpAKE)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/40178168334_f0b6de6a15_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24dpBEf)

mockingbird812
03-23-2018, 07:35 PM
Some nice flat torque from 2-5. Plenty of HP to have some fun!!!

HawkX66
03-23-2018, 07:47 PM
Some nice flat torque from 2-5. Plenty of HP to have some fun!!! That's my thoughts too. Some folks were worried about me being able to take off with 3.31 gears. I had to giggle lol

markinnaples
03-23-2018, 08:34 PM
Man, that's killer. For what I want to do with my old Camaro, a big block would probably be the better (and cheaper) route, but I'd hate to lose the tunnel ram. I could always do a BB with a high rise manifold, carb spacer and put a blower scoop on it. That combo would probably stick out the hood some.

HawkX66
03-23-2018, 08:49 PM
Man, that's killer. For what I want to do with my old Camaro, a big block would probably be the better (and cheaper) route, but I'd hate to lose the tunnel ram. I could always do a BB with a high rise manifold, carb spacer and put a blower scoop on it. That combo would probably stick out the hood some.
Thanks Mark. This engine build has been alot of fun. You can pick up one of these gen 6 motors pretty cheap and do whatever you want with them just like the old 454s. I picked up a hammered, but running L29 for $300. There are a few differences, but nothing bad.
No reason you can't still run a tunnel ram. There's a bbc tunnel ram local on Craigslist with two 600 Holleys for $1,200.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY
03-23-2018, 09:05 PM
We are doing a TR on Benjamin's Nova with a rather mild cam, and are running two 600CFM Holleys that Eric Jackson set up for us - should be good to go.

HawkX66
03-23-2018, 09:07 PM
We are doing a TR on Benjamin's Nova with a rather mild cam, and are running two 600CFM Holleys that Eric Jackson set up for us - should be good to go.
I love it. Fly eyes and everything. Looks great.

olredalert
03-23-2018, 09:48 PM
----Marlin,,,I have had some experience with just this kind of throttle linkage set-up. Learned to strengthen the rod between the carbs because flex under load can create issues.......Bill S

markjohnson
03-24-2018, 03:24 PM
I've always been told that copper head gaskets will need re-torquing which can be a real pain once an engine is in a vehicle. I know that Cometic can vary head gasket thickness to probably get you the CR that you need.

HawkX66
03-25-2018, 12:41 AM
I've always been told that copper head gaskets will need re-torquing which can be a real pain once an engine is in a vehicle. I know that Cometic can vary head gasket thickness to probably get you the CR that you need.
Thanks Mark. I'll keep that in mind.