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

[Dwight FitzSimons]

The Best Gasket Co. is alive and well.  They specialize in gaskets for vintage engines, including Studebaker & Packard V8s.  I recently purchased a complete set for Studebaker V8s and one for Packard V8s.  I haven't used either set yet, but they look good.  I believe that they have even produced the unique head gaskets for R3 & R4 engines.  See their website below.

--Dwight

https://bestgasket.com/vintage-engine-gaskets/

 

Edited March 17 by Dwight FitzSimons

[mfg]

3 hours ago, Dwight FitzSimons said:

The Best Gasket Co. is alive and well.  They specialize in gaskets for vintage engines, including Studebaker & Packard V8s.  I recently purchased a complete set for Studebaker V8s and one for Packard V8s.  I haven't used either set yet, but they look good.  I believe that they have even produced the unique head gaskets for R3 & R4 engines.  See their website below.

--Dwight

https://bestgasket.com/vintage-engine-gaskets/

 

I purchased gaskets for my 56J (Packard) from Best Gasket last year… high quality, perfect fit!

[63stick]

Thank you, I have a couple of their dealers close by i see.