BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Also, I emailed TEA and did not get a real definitive answer--said it was up to me. I am going to run S1.5 5.3L TEA heads 2.02/1.55 milled 0.010 w/ a 228/230/571/573 112 comp cam w/ 7.4 pushrods. What kind of head gasket should I run?

PREDATOR-Z

Run a gasket that will keep you in the .035>.038 Quench range.
On a stock block it is usually Cometic .045 or less.

(Piston to deck height - Compressed gasket thickness = Quench)

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

So I need cosmetic gaskets?

PREDATOR-Z

If you haven't got the heads yet, I would use Cometic .045 compressed gasket and mill accordingly (for PTV clearance) for desired CR.

To give you an exemple, on my next set up: 347 forged.

5.3L heads, stage 2, milled .020 with an FM 11 cam, Cometic .040 and 2cc valve relief pistons with pistons "out of hole" by .005
That will give me .035 quench.

BrentB@TEA

If you go with a Cometic I would use a .045 , The stock gaskets will work well but the cometics will increase compression and decrease quench. With the closer valve drop of a 5.3 head you must check piston to valve clearence, however I think it should be good with your camshaft.

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Thanks Brent and Predator. I mean w/ a 2.02/1.55 valves, 228/230/571/573 on a 112, milled only 0.010, I should be good to go, like Brent said--right! How much more of a compression would the cosmetic give?

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Would you all spend the money and use cosmetics in my case?

PREDATOR-Z

You prolly want another opinion but YES

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

I just would kind of want of know how much the cr would jump. That is all. If it is worth it, I will buy them no problem.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

all things being equal the CR difference from the stock GM MLS vs the .045 cometics is .2, .4 if you go with the .040 cometic.

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

I know alot of variables, but what does that equate to power wise?

ty_ty13

iTrader: (42)

just so no one makes fun of you they are "cometic" gaskets not cosmetic... i called them the exact same thing for the longest time...

compression ratio is as much of a set horsepower level I think it goes in percentages.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

not much in your case. a full point (10.1 to 11.1) is generally said to be worth a 4% increase in power.

ty_ty13

iTrader: (42)

im just gonna guestimate at about 10 rwhp... for a .5 CR rise in your case...
if you get a bigger cam it may go up to 15 or 20.. like i said its more of a percentage...

I would do it also.. if you dont youll wish you would have

jrp

iTrader: (16)

lol, didnt even notice that

PREDATOR-Z

Not only CR increase but also tighter quench, which IMO is more important here.

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Thanks guys. Cometic huh

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Is it hard to get the quench just right?

PREDATOR-Z

No, just need to measure your piston in/or out of hole position (PDH), then adjust your gasket thickness choice accordingly (GT).
(PDH-GT=Quench)
Average street range is .035>.040

BoneSS

iTrader: (9)

Thanks--I never really knew!