Re-using head gaskets?

Thad · 08-03-2002, 06:15 AM

I'm wondering if i could use the old head gaskets. i don't know what brand they are but they are graphite with a stainless steel skeleton. and the only markings that i found are the letters NP on one of the corners. they look like they're in good shape, no tears or bends. The reason i ask is that i just had my heads rebuilt and i bought a trick flow set of gaskets from summit for the re-assembly, but the head gaskets that were provided look kinda weak compared to what was on there before. I've also had some problems in the past with the fel-pro gaskets on another car.
the heads are trick flow tw.
thanks
thad

egiap's 5.0 · 08-03-2002, 06:38 AM

No way. I beleive even the stock head gaskets are fel-pro. Go to ford dealer and get a set of graphite head gaskets. Or jegs has a set with new head bolts. Good luck.

srv1 · 08-03-2002, 06:51 AM

absolutely not! once you torque them once, thats it. unless it was a copper head gasket, then that is a different story. what you want is the Ford Racing head gasket M-6051-B51. That is for Supercharged apps, and stock too.

PKRWUD · 08-03-2002, 07:55 AM

NEVER, unless copper, like James said (and even then, only sometimes).

Take care,
~Chris

Mopar1 · 08-03-2002, 07:59 AM

nice pic there PKRWUD. Dodge made a nice sweep last weekend in Nascar

RdRunnr · 08-03-2002, 12:35 PM

You should consider buying a set of ARP head studs to replace the head bolts while you have it apart. These will provide significantly more clamping force and protection.

ultraflo · 08-03-2002, 11:17 PM

Head studs or bolts... either are much better than the "torque-to-yield" bolts that FoMoCo uses... I prefer studs.

I've had good luck with Fel-pro 9333PT-1 head gaskets... the 1011-whatevers suck IMHO.

Thad · 08-04-2002, 07:39 AM

Thanks for replies all.
The heads have stud mounts instead of bolts. It definately adds strength. plus if i were to spin a thread i'd much rather it be on the studs than the block. but i don't see that happening since the studs are hardened.
So i used the fel-pros'. Ser. no. 1011-2. can't spend the extra cash at the moment. So we'll see jhow they perform. bolted therm up yesterday and everything is going together good except for a couple of things that i found that needed attention. I'll be assembling the rest of the engine today. I've been taking pictures so i'll post them soon. i have my friends digital camera.
i don't have the software on my com. or i'd post what i have.
I'll post the progress.
take it easy all,
thad

Mach 1 · 08-04-2002, 02:06 PM

Next time, try "ROL" head gaskets, available at discount auto/advanced auto.

They work great, are high quality, and cost less than 1/2 as much as the fel-pro 1011- series.

later

ultraflo · 08-04-2002, 03:14 PM

...you haven't turned hippie on us have you mach???

that better not be a controlled substance rolled up in that "cigarette" ....nice

to keep it mustang related, I've tried the ROL head gaskets a few times in the past and liked 'em... I'm on a pretty good streak with the Fel-pro 9333PT-1's I'm using now (knock on wood)

...they stick to the heads and block really good, like the ROL's do. Either are much, much better than the 1011-1&2's IMHO, don't seal well w/ nitrous (or blowers)

There's always next time, Thad. No biggie... let us know how they seal-up for you.

Thad · 08-06-2002, 06:22 PM

I finally got it back together! It took a bit to get it started because of the battery. I primed the heads before trying to run it so i think that killed the battery just enough to keep it ffrom starting. So far it's running ok. All the tapping noise is gone.
Sounds much different than it did. It's getting alot more vacuum now, about 3lbs worth. I have to check the timing out. it's idle is rolling. I might have to adjust the tps again too. Anyway it's definately running better than before.
We'll see if the fel-pros' hold up. i have had problems with them in the past like i said. I'll be posting some pics here soon.
Thanks again for all the replies and advice!
take it easy,
thad

joe4speed · 08-07-2002, 10:49 AM

We want pics!!!

What was the problem with your heads again?

08-03-2002, 06:15 AM	#1
Thad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Stuart, FL US Posts: 192	Re-using head gaskets? I'm wondering if i could use the old head gaskets. i don't know what brand they are but they are graphite with a stainless steel skeleton. and the only markings that i found are the letters NP on one of the corners. they look like they're in good shape, no tears or bends. The reason i ask is that i just had my heads rebuilt and i bought a trick flow set of gaskets from summit for the re-assembly, but the head gaskets that were provided look kinda weak compared to what was on there before. I've also had some problems in the past with the fel-pro gaskets on another car. the heads are trick flow tw. thanks thad __________________ 90 LX 5.0 ,bored 302, MSD 6AL, Twisted Wedge TrickFlo HDs, World class T5, BBK fender cold air induct., 70mm TB,Edelbrock performer Intake, aluminum Drve shaft, 3.55 Gears, Long Tube Headers to Flowmasters.

08-03-2002, 06:38 AM	#2
egiap's 5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Mansfield, OH. Posts: 113	No way. I beleive even the stock head gaskets are fel-pro. Go to ford dealer and get a set of graphite head gaskets. Or jegs has a set with new head bolts. Good luck. __________________ Amsoil, The finest in synthetics T-1 certified Amsoil dealer Oils,Lubes,Filters www.lubedealer.com/midohio

08-03-2002, 06:51 AM	#3
srv1 Get down..... Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Room 103 Posts: 2,095	absolutely not! once you torque them once, thats it. unless it was a copper head gasket, then that is a different story. what you want is the Ford Racing head gasket M-6051-B51. That is for Supercharged apps, and stock too. __________________ Cobra brakes are on! Finally..... ------------------------------------------------

08-03-2002, 07:55 AM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	NEVER, unless copper, like James said (and even then, only sometimes). Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

08-03-2002, 07:59 AM	#5
Mopar1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lakewood, Wa Posts: 161	nice pic there PKRWUD. Dodge made a nice sweep last weekend in Nascar __________________ '77 Aspen R/T: 318 w/273 heads, 4spd, Hurst Shifter, 600 holley, edelbrock intake, 8 3/4 axle, 3.23 sure-grip, dual 3" exhaust, MP cam 276 / 276 duration 490 / 490 mech solid lifter, Super Stock Springs (15.65@88 3900lbs) '91 Mustang LX: .030 Bored, Typhoon Intake, 4.10's, Lentech VB, BBK 70mm TB, FMS A/C elim bracket, 19lbs inject, off road H-pipe, 75mm pro-m MAF, FRP unequal shorty, stormin normin hood. 3420 Lbs w/ 220 (me) and 13 gal gas. '02 SS Camaro

08-03-2002, 12:35 PM	#6
RdRunnr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Newark,DE Posts: 98	You should consider buying a set of ARP head studs to replace the head bolts while you have it apart. These will provide significantly more clamping force and protection. __________________ Eric 1990 Mustang GT 10.46 @130.97 ClickClickracing Forums

08-03-2002, 11:17 PM	#7
ultraflo NX dealer-man Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Peoria, Illinois Posts: 977	Head studs or bolts... either are much better than the "torque-to-yield" bolts that FoMoCo uses... I prefer studs. I've had good luck with Fel-pro 9333PT-1 head gaskets... the 1011-whatevers suck IMHO. __________________ RLS Racing! 93 LX 9.20 @ 147mph 03 Mach 1 12.39 @ 116mph

08-04-2002, 07:39 AM	#8
Thad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Stuart, FL US Posts: 192	Thanks for replies all. The heads have stud mounts instead of bolts. It definately adds strength. plus if i were to spin a thread i'd much rather it be on the studs than the block. but i don't see that happening since the studs are hardened. So i used the fel-pros'. Ser. no. 1011-2. can't spend the extra cash at the moment. So we'll see jhow they perform. bolted therm up yesterday and everything is going together good except for a couple of things that i found that needed attention. I'll be assembling the rest of the engine today. I've been taking pictures so i'll post them soon. i have my friends digital camera. i don't have the software on my com. or i'd post what i have. I'll post the progress. take it easy all, thad __________________ 90 LX 5.0 ,bored 302, MSD 6AL, Twisted Wedge TrickFlo HDs, World class T5, BBK fender cold air induct., 70mm TB,Edelbrock performer Intake, aluminum Drve shaft, 3.55 Gears, Long Tube Headers to Flowmasters.

08-04-2002, 02:06 PM	#9
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Next time, try "ROL" head gaskets, available at discount auto/advanced auto. They work great, are high quality, and cost less than 1/2 as much as the fel-pro 1011- series. later __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

08-04-2002, 03:14 PM	#10
ultraflo NX dealer-man Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Peoria, Illinois Posts: 977	Mach 1 ...you haven't turned hippie on us have you mach??? that better not be a controlled substance rolled up in that "cigarette" ....nice to keep it mustang related, I've tried the ROL head gaskets a few times in the past and liked 'em... I'm on a pretty good streak with the Fel-pro 9333PT-1's I'm using now (knock on wood) ...they stick to the heads and block really good, like the ROL's do. Either are much, much better than the 1011-1&2's IMHO, don't seal well w/ nitrous (or blowers) There's always next time, Thad. No biggie... let us know how they seal-up for you. __________________ RLS Racing! 93 LX 9.20 @ 147mph 03 Mach 1 12.39 @ 116mph

08-06-2002, 06:22 PM	#11
Thad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Stuart, FL US Posts: 192	I finally got it back together! It took a bit to get it started because of the battery. I primed the heads before trying to run it so i think that killed the battery just enough to keep it ffrom starting. So far it's running ok. All the tapping noise is gone. Sounds much different than it did. It's getting alot more vacuum now, about 3lbs worth. I have to check the timing out. it's idle is rolling. I might have to adjust the tps again too. Anyway it's definately running better than before. We'll see if the fel-pros' hold up. i have had problems with them in the past like i said. I'll be posting some pics here soon. Thanks again for all the replies and advice! take it easy, thad __________________ 90 LX 5.0 ,bored 302, MSD 6AL, Twisted Wedge TrickFlo HDs, World class T5, BBK fender cold air induct., 70mm TB,Edelbrock performer Intake, aluminum Drve shaft, 3.55 Gears, Long Tube Headers to Flowmasters.

08-07-2002, 10:49 AM	#12
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	We want pics!!! What was the problem with your heads again? __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What head gaskets and intake gaskets??	dragstang86	Windsor Power	4	12-20-2002 04:20 AM
Anyone ever used the ultra seal 5751 silicor head gaskets yet?	11secondGT	Windsor Power	0	08-06-2002 10:23 PM
Felpro Head Gaskets	bcinyuz	Windsor Power	2	01-15-2001 01:03 AM
Head Gaskets, Header Gaskets, Intake Gaskets, etc	AxemanZZ	Windsor Power	8	01-11-2001 01:09 PM
Boss 429 head gaskets!!	93CobraR	Classic Mustangs	4	03-13-2000 07:28 AM