Issues w/ Victor head gaskets?

Hi folks,

About 10 years ago I bought a gasket set from Earrick Racing. It was Victor/Reinz. I questioned Brian about the head gaskets, and he said he preferred these to FelPro. little did I know he was almost out-of-biz and I'm sure was trying to get rid of inventory.

I don't wanna think about any corners he "may" have cut when he did (farmed out) my machine work/balancing.

Jim W. has told me that, tho they might work okay, that the FelPros are superior. Is it worth swapping them out before I fire up the motor?

Also, I thought that FelPro used to make two versions? The old tried-and-true Blue, but also a H.P. version. Is that still the case. Autozone lists only one--part #1125. Is that the only one currently available? If so, is that the h.p. version?

Will be running 11.5 comp and around 550 h.p.

Thanks!

Best,

Ranger
Aiken, SC

 

I haven't used many Victor Reinz gaskets lately, because the local parts stores around me don't really carry them any more. However, I used a lot of them in years past(10+ years ago) and never had any more issues with them than any other gasket brand. I don't think I would worry about it, to be honest. What state is your motor in now? Partially assembled on a stand, or fully assembled in a ready to run car? If it's all together in a car there's no way I would worry about it. If the motor is on a stand I still probably wouldn't, but at least it's easy enough to do then.

 

Ranger, I used the Felpro 1125 gaskets and they sealed real well. Only problem I saw was that they bit into the deck of the head a little hard. I am trying the TAperformance "Orange Crush" gasket now but have no experience with them. Anyone else use the TA "Orange Crush"?

 

Yes, the Victor gasket is usually a fine gasket. I have used them for 45 years, but Jim said that it is not the best design for the BBB--tho he said that they might work fine. Engine is already assembled so I think I will let sleeping dogs lie.

Thanks!

Best,

Ranger
Aiken, SC

 

Dynotech1
Installed the "Orange Crush" gaskets this past spring ran the car til December no issues

 

As I recall, and some of you remember better than I, when the Orange Crush first came out there was an issue or two. I think it involved the steel fire ring. I'm sure any issue have been cleaned up in the subsequent (15?) years.

--Ranger
Aiken, SC

 

Victor Reinz has been an OE gasket supplier forever so I don't feel quality will be an issue. That being said, this is not an OE situation and if the static compression is in fact 11.5:1 and your still using 4 bolts/studs per cylinder you may be right on the edge, though other factors play in also.

Larry

 

Thanks, I have a set so I will give them a go!