Originally posted by Bib_Overalls
I went with a zero deck and use FelPro 1003 gaskets. They torque up at .040-.039. Good for bores up to 4.060. I am using Vortec heads and pistons with a slight "D" cup. Compression is about 9.2 or 9.3. Runs all day on 89 octaine.

No matter how you set your quench, getting it right it is well worth the effort.
TRUE WORDS OF WISDOM


I have found that for some reason the quench works better with a zero deck height. I think a lot of it has to do with the way the air/fuel is pushed into the cylinder wall. The purpose of the quench is to act like a wedge and direct the mixture out from under the flat side of the head and into the chamber. This rapid movement air/fuel atomizes better to create a better mixture and help eliminate detonation and enhance power just because it burns better.

--divide stroke in half
--add rod lenth
--add piston compression height

Usually comes out to 9.0, get block decked to that height and run a Fel-pro .039 head gasket Part No. 1010 I don't remember the bore size of it, but I know the part no. and thickness in my head. I have never had a problem with that set up.

In my experience and opinion, if you have a problem that ends up you needing to deck the block again, chances are, That is the least of your worries. That's street use. Track use, those problems are expected sooner or later so leaving some extra deck height is a good idea on a $2000+ race block.