Does size matter...

[gst96spyderman]

This is a two part question.

1. Is thinckness a deciding factor when purchasing a headgasket? I was told that thicker is better, but I read that it is the opposite. Thinner hg's will allow higher compression rating... So should I go 1.3mm or 1.6mm?

2. I have some 272's and was wondering if I'd be okay with an oem tb? I have already ordered OEM (as well as 1.6mm hg) I will send back if I'm swayed by either. Let me know something. Thanks

 

[SupremeDsm]

Yes hg thickness does change your compression ratio. It's up to you to decide what will benefit you the most with thickness! With the 272s I would use a metal hg personally.

 

[gst96spyderman]

I have the mls hg coming in mail... As for the timing belt, I've read that with upgraded cams, its a good idea to upgrade timing belt. I understand it is a good IDEA, but is it a must to say get a gates tb instead of oem

 

[Big Woo]

Many builders use the various thicknesses of head gaskets available to set the quench clearance.

For example Deck height (+ or-) piston height depending on whether the piston sits above or below the deck while at TDC and by how much. If the piston is .010 below the deck when at TDC and one wants a quench height of .040 then you would want a .030 thick head gasket. .010 (piston below deck + .030 compressed head gasket thickness = .040 quench distance.

 

[huafist]

Many builders use the various thicknesses of head gaskets available to set the quench clearance.

For example Deck height (+ or-) piston height depending on whether the piston sits above or below the deck while at TDC and by how much. If the piston is .010 below the deck when at TDC and one wants a quench height of .040 then you would want a .030 thick head gasket. .010 (piston below deck + .030 compressed head gasket thickness = .040 quench distance.

^^^
This.

You don't need to use head gasket thickness to try to lower your compression. As Big Woo said, it's used to set the quench. If you go too large on the quench (happens when trying to fool with CR with HG thickness), then you increase the propensity of the engine to knock.