Head gasket differences

[63stick]

My Complete engine gasket set came with two sets of head gaskets. A thin steel set and a thicker composite set. My car is an R1.

[64studeavanti]

Later Studes used the shim gasket. If you use the thick gasket on R1, the compression will drop about half a point to 9.75:1 instead of 10.25:1. This is good for today's gasoline. If you have the block decked and heads milled to ensure they are flat, the shim gasket will seal. Otherwise, use the composite.

[64studeavanti]

Here is a link to a discussion of different heads and gaskets. 

https://www.studebaker-info.org/Tech/Heads/Headcasting.html

This web site, maintained by Bob Johnstone,  is a great resource. 

Best gaskets used to supply a gasket that was about .040 compressed. For my R1 4spd, I had the block zero decked,  bored .060 over with flat top pistons. This gives excellent quench.  With an Isky ST5 cam installed, it runs very well on pump premium gas.

Some did not care for the best gaskets. I do not believe they are available any longer.

 

[mfg]

1 hour ago, 64studeavanti said:

Later Studes used the shim gasket. If you use the thick gasket on R1, the compression will drop about half a point to 9.75:1 instead of 10.25:1. This is good for today's gasoline. If you have the block decked and heads milled to ensure they are flat, the shim gasket will seal. Otherwise, use the composite.

I agree completely!

[63stick]

That's a nice site for head info. Thanks