Top End Rebuild Advice

[pbf777]

     

If you talk to the four FE builders most commonly known they are......................

     I'm not sure if this post is intended to refute my position, but I understand your point, and please allow me to clarify: I did not state that the 1020 was not suitable product for certain applications.  I was presenting solely our observations here at PBF, not speaking for others, nor wishing to follow as so often is practiced in this industry of: "monkey see monkey do", or "that's how we always dun it", or my favorite, particularly post an obvious shortcoming: "we've sold hundreds of'em an nobody else complained"; so forgive me for choosing not be just another lemming jumping off the cliff.         

     Also, our perspective includes some involvement with Fel-Pro engineers; for example, upon the introduction of the "Wire-Loc" gasket series, including testing to establish the effects of the sealing ring exposure, including the effective sum of, comparison of materials chosen for the sealing rings, verifying particular machining requirements intended to the block, and a recommended procedure of installation, etc.  With this, we acquired some perhaps further insight as to the effects of attempting to clamp to much "stuff" between the block and cylinder head, and just tightening the fastener more may not aid in the end.           

     Scott.

[1967 eight barrel]

I'm only refuting your position by information people like Barry Rabotnic and three other main FE builders with hundreds of FE builds and dyno sessions, and my own experiences with different gaskets with multiple builds.
I don't see that as monkey see-monkey do. As you so aptly put it. One of the aforementioned just won the engine masters competition, Blair Patrick. Barry has won it many times as well. You may have known him as he ran at Federal Mogul for over 10 years and they are all true FE specialist. 
MLS gaskets are nice but have their issues. Besides requiring a particular finish on both surfaces they are in the 200.00+ range.  I have also failed to blow a 1020 and that was with 11.4:1 compression.
The individual here also isn't doing a 10,000 FE build. It appears he just wanted to get the car running.  In my opinion a bad idea knowing how much work it is to pull an FE in and out.

                                                                                -Keith

[pbf777]

I'm only refuting your position by information people like Barry Rabotnic and three other main FE builders with hundreds of FE builds and dyno sessions, and my own experiences with different gaskets with multiple builds.                                                   

     Yeah, darn-it,................  I just started here last week!                


 

I have also failed to blow a 1020 and that was with 11.4:1 compression.

     Well, we have a 427 FE in the shop now (built by,............. well, I guess I won't name (famous  ) names, with 1020's blown out at < 10.2 compression (mechanical), but this in itself doesn't make it a bad product.  We even keep the Fel-Pro 1020's in stock,...........wanna buy a set?     

The individual here also isn't doing a 10,000 FE build. It appears he just wanted to get the car running.  In my opinion a bad idea knowing how much work it is to pull an FE in and out.
                                                                               

      I have no intention of attempting to dictate to anyone how they should due anything, only presenting observations, hopefully relative, perhaps some thought, sometimes not considered previously, so that perhaps individuals, both the original poster, and others who may review these posts in their own efforts seeking insight into their delemia, as this is a forum, may ponder for possible relativity to their scenarios. 

      Honestly, in an instance of a stock production configuration FE, in a non racing environment, with we'll say so-so but "O.K." mating surfaces, just a "driver", but one does what it to be a "good and proper fix", then what's wrong, and what I would probably advise, with the Fel-Pro #8554PT gasket?   Have used a many before (actually liked the McCord product better, but N.A.) without issue when it seems applicable.  And their cheaper!               

      There are a lot of different materials and engineering in the world of gaskets, and, no one product proves superior in all instances, so realize that what worked grand for so and so, may prove a disaster for another, so consideration for the benefits and the drawbacks that each provide is required.             

     Scott.