Fel-Pro head gaskets on TBI engines - durable?

[Tim_K]

I've seen and read all the stuff about Fel-Pro head gaskets not living very long on Turbo engines. But does anyone know how they do on TBI motors? I'm trying to build one for power, and giving away 3 CC of chamber volume (hurts compression ratio a lot) isn't good. The Fel-Pro is 0.040" thick compared to 0.070" for the MP gasket.

How much can I cut the deck surface of the head without going too thin?

I've used Fel-Pro on two different 2.2 N/A engines, worked great.

[Tim_K]

I should also mention this is with no nitrous on the motor. If I were to use nitrous or a turbo, I'd get the good gasket from MP.

[Tim_K]

If anyone has had a Fel-Pro gasket blow out, where did it break, and what can be done to make sure it doesn't happen?

I'm asking all this because I have a new Fel-Pro gasket left over from a previous Turbo engine build, wherein I used the good MP gasket.

I had a felpro go out on an '89 Horizon I had a few years ago. Those things just aren't worth a ****. Plus according to autozone the flepro is now $22.99!!! I got the good mopar performance gasket with the holes for my crossdrilled turbo II from the dealer for the same exact price!! I don't think they're worth their weight in dirt. But some people say they work good for v8's. Notta for me.

BTW, the gasket went out between 3 & 4. Then I was stupid some years later and put one on my shelby, was changing it for a mopar in 2 weeks, and i hadn't even jammed on it!

[Vanquizor]

I seem to get a felpro in every re-build set, and never use them on my 'good' motors.... I have however used them on a couple N/A's and low boost cars.. nobody has complained yet.

[turbovanman]

I REPEAT, DO NOT USE FELPRO HEAD GASKTETS on any 2.2 or 2.5L. The graphite is garbage and doesn't seal. YOU will be doing it again in year or so or even sooner. Buy McCord, Corteco or buy Felpros kit then by a Mopar head gasket, $20 for theres. There is nothing worse than doing a job 2 times due to crap gaskets.
I own an auto repair shop and will never use Felpro hd gasket on a 2.2 or 2.5 again. Other models no problems!

My dealer quoted me like $55 I believe. What's the part number on this $20 one?

[turbovanman]

The part # I used is #p4452005. If you want one Unaclocker, I can bring one out. My GF lives in Bellvue!!!! I come out there every other weekend or my GF could get it to you! and don't forget, thats Canadian dollars, plus taxes of course."thumbs up

Sweet, that'd be nice. Got a good turbo block? heh.. I'll probably end up going to the junkyard for one.

[Tim_K]

The time I bought the good MP head gasket from the dealer, it cost me $35.

Anyone have the thickness of the McCord and Corteco gaskets? I'm building a N/A TBI motor, so compression is an issue. With the much thicker MP gasket, I'd have to cut 0.030" off the head just to get started.

turbovanman - there is something worse - having to redo the job in 20 degree weather in the middle of winter without a heated garage!

I know I shouldn't reuse the head bolts, but has anyone done it, and how did it go?

Then don't get the MOPAR gasket, get the OEM Chrysler gasket thru a Chrysler dealer! I have a Spitzer's where I live, they can get their hands on everything. The OEM gasket is thinner than the MOPAR. Don't have the specs at the moment. Although I was pretty sure that MOPAR offered different thickenesses of gaskets. Depending on what type you ordered. Anyway go for the OEM.