Quote Originally Posted by keywestjack View Post
Hello new to the forum, I am replacing the heads on my sbc. I recently had it bored and stroked to a 383. The heads I will be using are Edelbrock Performer RPM #60899 aluminum. Edelbrock recommends using their gasket #7310 but warn that because the use a "flattened steel O ring around each bore". Edelbock states that the aluminum will be "compressed" requiring the use of the #7310 gasket for any subsequent replacement. I don't know why that bothers me, but it does, therefor I need a recommendation for a top quality head gasket , any ideas? Thanks Jack
The phenomenon they refer to is called "brinelling" of the head surface. When you use an aluminum head, the image of the fire ring in the head gasket will be imprinted onto the aluminum head surface, making an indented ring where the material was compressed more than the surrounding material. If you then remove the head to use on another application, it may be necessary to take a light cut on the head surface to remove the indented material.
http://www.pro-touring.com/attachmen...7&d=1323794562
Most fellows will choose a "pre-flattened" fire ring gasket to minimize the effect.

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