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

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.

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.

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

Take care,
~Chris

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

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.

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.

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

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

Mach 1
 

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

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)http://www.corral.net/forums/images/...embarassed.gif ...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.

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

We want pics!!!

What was the problem with your heads again? :confused: