Cold torque
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
Cold torque I don't have a heated garage. Is it a bad idea to torque the heads and intake on at 35 degrees rather than a warmer temp like 70?? Is there any chance the head gaskets could seal any better/worse or compress more/less??
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: WI
i would say that the temps would be ok. just as long as all the parts are the same temp during assembly. dont torque a 70degree head that was in your basement onto a freezing block.im no professional engine builder though.
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
Does anyone think that warming the head gasket up to 70 degrees would actually allow it to compress more since heat tends to make things more pliable?? I am not sure what compressable material the gasket is made from. My intention was to keep the heads and block at the same cold temp but I did consider allowing the gaskets to warm up.
Trending Topics
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
I've put heads onto stone cold motors (20* F) without any issues.
My guess is that if you heated it (the gasket) to 70* by the time you got the head on and bolts started...it would be the same temperature as the head/block.
My guess is that if you heated it (the gasket) to 70* by the time you got the head on and bolts started...it would be the same temperature as the head/block.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
I'm betting in real world however, the amount of expansion in the aluminum and MLS gasket between 20F and 70F is insignificant. The head is going to heat up to several hundred degrees at operating temperature and everthing will expand by a much greater factor.
The temp should not effect your seal, Like said before go by the mfg specs. Also if using the factory head bolts the original head bolts are touque to yeld and the bolts must be replaced. Make sure you use a degree gauge you can pick it up at Napa for about $15.00.
