Piston to deck clearance 360

you are going to need to know the compression height on the pistons...which is the center of the pin to the top of the piston......

for an example...kb107 pistons have a compression height of 1.675 inches...

you would add 1.675 plus the rod lenght of 6.123 plus 1/2 the 360 stroke of 3.58...


so you got 1.675 + 6.123 + 1.79 = 9.588....

now you need to know the deck height of your block....most 360 are around 9.60-9.59....problem is due to manufacturer tolerances...the deck height will varies from the front of the engine to the back and from left to right bank of cylinders...that is why the block needs to be squared by the machine shop ....

as far as head gaskets ..take a look at Mr gasket 1121.