moper
Well-Known Member
ok, after reading the whole deal "from the top"...lol.
If the ridge up top can be felt, it will catch a nail, but, I've run some "worn" engines with .010" high ridges on top. Just dont install new rings, and you're fine..lol. (new rings are square on the corners, old rings are not, so the new rings will hit and break over a short time if run on an existing ridge....)
On the head gaskets, factory is a thick .043 or so composite gasket. MP makes a thinner version, that IIRC is about .028" compressed. I use these in all my builds using iron heads. That Comp High Energy 268 is a great cam, even in low compression 318s. I ran one in with X heads and a T quad intake after demolishing a piston in the 340 I had. There was a small difference in off idle first gear, but not much. (car was a 4sp w/3.23s) Sounds like a nice package, but you will need the right springs, and I'd toss in some new valve seals. I wouldnt touch the ports at all. Without a real good valve job, you're not gaining much anyway. As far as the valves "beign chipped"..I think if you cleaned them thoroughly, you'd find they are made that way. The margine between the stem and the taper leading to the tip gets covered in soot and gunk. Dont sweat it.
If the ridge up top can be felt, it will catch a nail, but, I've run some "worn" engines with .010" high ridges on top. Just dont install new rings, and you're fine..lol. (new rings are square on the corners, old rings are not, so the new rings will hit and break over a short time if run on an existing ridge....)
On the head gaskets, factory is a thick .043 or so composite gasket. MP makes a thinner version, that IIRC is about .028" compressed. I use these in all my builds using iron heads. That Comp High Energy 268 is a great cam, even in low compression 318s. I ran one in with X heads and a T quad intake after demolishing a piston in the 340 I had. There was a small difference in off idle first gear, but not much. (car was a 4sp w/3.23s) Sounds like a nice package, but you will need the right springs, and I'd toss in some new valve seals. I wouldnt touch the ports at all. Without a real good valve job, you're not gaining much anyway. As far as the valves "beign chipped"..I think if you cleaned them thoroughly, you'd find they are made that way. The margine between the stem and the taper leading to the tip gets covered in soot and gunk. Dont sweat it.
