95LTXZ28

iTrader: (19)

Hey guys I just picked up a 2000 5.3 to build for my 72 nova project. I’d like to make as much power as I can, drivability is not an issue. I am trying to keep the bottom end stock as well as the heads (for now) and gain power by adding compression with a thinner head gasket. What gasket thickness do you guys recommend and also, since I didn’t buy a cam yet. What is the biggest cam I can run without running Into PTV clearance issues with the thinner head gasket. I only bought a few parts for the engine so far, I am trying to do as much research as I can before I purchase any more parts.

Thanks, I know it is a somewhat generic question haha.

My other option is buying stock replacement gaskets and calling it a day.

G Atsma

You're not going to gain much compression with thinner head gaskets. Just mill the heads to the desired ratio, keeping in mind the cam you wish to use.

Doug G

With any decent cam, you're not going to mill much if any without fly-cutting and make big power.
You may be better off with just getting a decent cam and looking into a power adder later down the road ?