So I did some gasket matching to my heads using the TA 1720-HTX as my template as those were the gaskets I was planning on using. I have since bought a set of Remflex gaskets to use instead. Here is the problem, the port sizes on the remflex gaskets are slightly smaller than the TA ones. Can I use the TA gaskets as a template and scribe the remflex gaskets then cut out the excess material with a sharp razor blade or will that compromise the new remflex gaskets?
If we are taking about the Exh ports leave them just as they are for the best performance from them, all that Matters is that the gasket and the inlet to the header or Exh Manifolds are bigger then the Exh ports are themselves! The Exh ports need atleast a lip on them on the bottom to discourage reversion back into them which kills low speed Torque ! Don't fall into the false line of thinking that gasket matching the Exh ports is a guarantee power increase!
Steven, I've already gasket matched the exhaust ports on the heads to the TA gaskets. I now want to use the remflex gaskets instead and they're a bit smaller on certain sides (see pics) can I cut the remflex gaskets to match the TA ones or will that compromise them?
The reflex can be trimmed with a razor blade......they actually sell solid pieces to cut your own if needed too......but your talking a very very minor amount there
Well I don't have to worry about it now, I just spoke with the machine shop and my 68 430 heads are junk! They were cracked and repaired previously. Oh well on a positive note I had fun learning how to port some heads. Next set I get I'll just use the remflex gaskets to port match them.
Well the good news is forget about port matching the new heads. Unless a lot of work was done in the bowl area right under the valve(just past the seat, intake or exhaust) then opening up the ports does nothing. That area is the choke point. Port matching is all for show unless the choke point is flowing much better than stock. As mentioned you want the exhaust ports smaller than the manifold they are going into, certainly no bigger. The head intake ports should be no smaller than the intake manifold ports and at best a match but like I said if the valve area isn't opened up it is just for show. Not to shill for John but, if you still have the hots for "port matched" heads with some extra work tear dropping around the valve guide buy these heads and then do some real work under the valve seats where nothing appears to have been done. Just be very carefull not to nick the seat. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/ported-and-valve-jobbed-72-small-valve-heads.356288/
On the old heads I did work the bowl area and tear dropped the valve guides on all the ports then gasket matched the port openings and smoothed out the runners on the exhaust ports only. I left the runners on the intakes rough to help with atomization of the fuel. We'll see what happens on the next set. I plan on getting aluminum heads in the future but for now a decent set of home ported heads is good.
Forget port-matching entirely. The gasket area is not the restriction. Spend some time between the guide and the valve seats; and at the pushrod pinch area.
