Block O-ring question....

Discussion in 'Race 400/430/455' started by StagedCat, Dec 9, 2016.

  1. StagedCat

    StagedCat Platinum Level Contributor

    I've got a 455+.038 that I purchased years ago (Dave Benisek had this one built), the block is o-ringed, running
    copper head gasket with 12.9 to 1 CR, with cast iron heads. All cylinders were leaking a little at the low(exhaust) side
    of head. I plan on installing Stage 2's with the additional stud on low side. My questions are, do I need to run the copper
    gasket or will others work as well with the o-ring? Can I run a head gasket without the o-ring wire and still have adequate sealing? Thanks in advance for any input, Tom
     
  2. Rob Ross

    Rob Ross Well-Known Member

    My buddy had an o-ringed block with 14:1. He decided to go away from o-rings and just carefully filed them flat and then ran a FelPro 1125, never an issue.
     
  3. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Depends on where they put the groove. Usually the groove is close enough to the bore that the fire ring of a composition gasket would still have material underneath it.

    If that is the case, then just leave the rings out, and gasket as normally.

    I have done this several times over the years with no issues.

    JW
     
  4. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    I had orings in mine, just pulled them out and put the Orange crush down , no issues
     

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