Best graphite thickness
 

Hi guys sent an email to Best but I don't think they'll get back too me quick. Does anyone know the compressed thickness of their graphtite 507 head gaskets? Also any prep for them on install?

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Rob, I can't answer your question...these things disintegrate upon removing the head[s]....That is why, when I build an engine, i fit the heads with no gaskets in place and rotate engine at least two complete revolutions. If there is no contact, you can be pretty well assured of at least .040" clearance with gaskets torqued down.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

BEST head gaskets compress down to about .050 to.053”. Slightly more with the copper clad type (ie perhaps another 2 or 3 thou).

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

I wrote to them before I used them and they suggested that I spray both sides with copper spray.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

That's what I was working on, just good to know how much they compress, as a rough I measured them at .060 new.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

The engines I build using the Best brand gaskets I allow .050 for the additional clearance dimension. For additional help in sealing I only use a thin film of silicone sealer around all of the water holes placing the material on the decks of the block and the surface of the heads but only around the water holes. Doing it this way I have found no water leaks and very good gasket sealing.
Ronnieroadster

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Right here... https://bestgasket.com/head-gasket-bore-thickness/

Or here... https://bestgasket.com/ford-big-bore/

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Ronnie, thats good info', I took a set of copper ones off the other week that had only been on for a few hundred miles,I had sprayed them with c/coat all over, and thought about just around the coolant holes would have been easier.
Lawrie

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Thanks Hal, I went on their site first and could not find this..?? They dont list the 507 G..

Anyway Best did get back too me , which I didnt expect over the weekend and this is what came back :
Hello

Thank you for you purchase of our 507G Head Gaskets

The compressed thickness is .053+/-.002”

We recommend a copper coat spray such as K&W or Permatex on both sides of the gasket.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

How many times can the Best copper clad head gaskets be re-used?

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Depends how the heads came off (if you did any prying around the edges - tends to ruin the gaskets).

Also, once they have been compressed, I do not use them again - as I'm not confident they will seal again. To me, the amount of time/effort it takes to disassemble, clean and reassemble the heads - doesn't make any sense to gamble as to whether or not the head gaskets will seal - so I always use new ones (regardless of type).

The only place I don't is on solid dead-soft copper gaskets (race applications) . . . where sometimes I will anneal them and reuse them.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

I've been re using them for years, if there not damaged

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Good to know Ron . . . I didn't have that much confidence in trying (too much time involved). But, head gaskets are getting to be quite expensive - not like in the good ole' days! :D

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Thanks Ron. I've used mine twice and wasn't sure if I should buy a new set next time.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

Good to hear it as well. I've got a bunch hanging on nails in my shop ceiling because I just couldn't bring myself to throw them out.

Re: Best graphite thickness
 

I always reuse the copper clad type gaskets on the same engine block and heads they came off. Heck I have even reused the older type steel clad gaskets as well same way as above.
The gaskets seal perfectly when I use silver spray paint {3 light coats per side} on the gasket surfaces and a small amount of silicone sealer around the wafer holes on the block deck and the head surface areas.

Ronnieroadster