Hello Guys, Question about Fel Pro Head Gaskets - Building a 70 455 with 72 Stage 1 Heads. The 70 Block has got 1 Scallop on the deck surface. Can I use the Felpro gasket with 2 scallops - sorry don't have part numbers? From what I've read it will work, you just can't use single scallop head gaskets on a double scallop deck surface (73 & later). Does this make any sense? Thanks, Wes
This is what I have been told- that the later gaskets work on earlier engines, just as you point out. I was very glad i didn't have to put that info to the test however- my engine's made up of '73 and '74 parts. Jim W. could tell you the exact whys and hows of gasket design.
Wes....Here are the three types of block combinations...... The first is round clean-out holes and a single scallop (up to early production '72). The second is round clean-out holes with double scallops (I've seen these in late '71 to late '72 production, not many though). And the third is oblong clean-out holes with double scallops (late '72, early '73 and later production). There are four types of head combinations........ First is early round hole with single solid scallop. Second is no scallop(s) at all with round holes (in next post's pic). Third is double scallop with NO holes and oblong clean-out holes. Forth is double scallop with holes and oblong clean-out holes. Scallops on the block deck surface are solid with no holes, late double scallop heads have holes (these are the entire problem!), early single scallop do not. The only problem you will encounter is if trying to use the '73 and up heads with double scallops that have round clean-out holes in those positions and attempting to mate those heads to an earlier block that only has a single scallop.....BIG coolant leak into lifter valley....no matter what gasket is used! You can use early heads on any year block regardless of gasket used. But the later double scallop with the holes in them heads (like pic below) MUST be used on double scallop blocks with the composite (not steel shim) gaskets to seal properly. Here is a pic of a '73 head (top) with double scallops and clean-out holes compared with a '70 head (bottom) and single scallop, no hole. Hope this helps.....
Hi Guys, Wes....hope this doesn't further confuse anyone but here is a pic of a set of '72 heads (casting number 1238148) that has no scallop(s) at all! These heads can be used on ANY year block with either composite OR steel shim with no problems.
Hi Guys, Correct Peter....same head as the first pic I posted (top one compared to '70 head below it).:TU:
mccord gakets a while back someone told me that a company called mccord gaskets make a .020 compressed head gasket for the 455. has any one ever heard of them? all i can seem to find is a .040 felpro gasket
Thanks! Guys, This gasket thing has been cleared up for me. Thanks for taking the time to write & post pictures! Wes
Re: mccord gakets My experience has been that McCord makes quality gaskets. I used them on a Ford 302 and really liked them. I haven't heard about the .020 gasket but, it's worth looking in to.
