I have the ability to o ring my block - is it worth it?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 59
From: Elm Creek, NE
I have the ability to o ring my block - is it worth it? Hey guys, machine work is just about done on my 5.7 l33 forged motor. Before I assemble it, I'm wondering g if I should o ring it. We run mini rods, aka 538bbc on 40-50# of boost that weigh 2050#, and we have our own tool to o ring our blocks in house, and use copper or stainless wire. What we cannot do is machine the receiver groove in the head. So we just run copper head gaskets with copper wire and studs, no receiver grove andbit works great. Now, would I be gaining anything g by doing that in my 347 build? Can I run mls headgaskets, or do I need copper? I see lots of conflicting information on this subject, so I'm looking for some clarity.
L33 5.7
9.5:1 comp
Billet s480 vs turbo
Head studs
Forged rods and pistons
I plan on having the car dyno tuned, I'm going to tell them to turn it up untill it runs out of steam or kills itself, or makes over 1000whp. I'm doubtful of the later. Normal trim I plan on keeping the car around 800whp.
L33 5.7
9.5:1 comp
Billet s480 vs turbo
Head studs
Forged rods and pistons
I plan on having the car dyno tuned, I'm going to tell them to turn it up untill it runs out of steam or kills itself, or makes over 1000whp. I'm doubtful of the later. Normal trim I plan on keeping the car around 800whp.
Head sealing depends a lot on the tune and load types placed on the engine. One setup can make less peak cylinder pressure than another, and run faster times. Yet the higher cyl pressure setup will be more likely to have head sealing issues.
LS9 gaskets works great. Many pushing 1000-1200ish crank without issue. (many have issues making less power too) Once you start pushing 1200+ crank HP, the crank/block are the weak links anyway. Personally I wouldn’t bother o-ringing a stock block/crank setup. Shouldn’t be needed if you tune it “gently”. And if you do need it, you probably shouldn’t be running the factory block/crank.
LS9 gaskets works great. Many pushing 1000-1200ish crank without issue. (many have issues making less power too) Once you start pushing 1200+ crank HP, the crank/block are the weak links anyway. Personally I wouldn’t bother o-ringing a stock block/crank setup. Shouldn’t be needed if you tune it “gently”. And if you do need it, you probably shouldn’t be running the factory block/crank.
Give it a go then, let us know how it works. It this a street/strip deal or straight race?
It’s always hard for me go away from something we know plain works. I know many that have had issues with copper gaskets and sealing the water ports 100%. Not sure I’ve ever heard of an LS9 gasket failing to seal a water port.
It’s always hard for me go away from something we know plain works. I know many that have had issues with copper gaskets and sealing the water ports 100%. Not sure I’ve ever heard of an LS9 gasket failing to seal a water port.
I agree with the LS9's just plain working. I've seen multiple setups hold over 1000hp just fine with LS9's. I would get a stronger block, thicker deck heads, and forged crank before I bothered to o-ring.
Heck didn't Denmah reuse normal headgaskets with his VS80 and it still made almost a 1000 without sealing problems on a SBE.
Heck didn't Denmah reuse normal headgaskets with his VS80 and it still made almost a 1000 without sealing problems on a SBE.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 59
From: Elm Creek, NE
All great points, however I should have worded my post better, I know guys make big power on the 4 bolt head setups with ls9 gaskets.i was more asking if while the engine was apart and fresh, since it was free should I do it IF it will increase holding power. I know it's not needed for these levels, but if it's free and it eliminates the chance of issues with HG why not? However, it sounds like it opens me up to leaking issues and other problems that I don't want to deal with, so to me it's not worth it if that's the case
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All great points, however I should have worded my post better, I know guys make big power on the 4 bolt head setups with ls9 gaskets.i was more asking if while the engine was apart and fresh, since it was free should I do it IF it will increase holding power. I know it's not needed for these levels, but if it's free and it eliminates the chance of issues with HG why not? However, it sounds like it opens me up to leaking issues and other problems that I don't want to deal with, so to me it's not worth it if that's the case
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,616
Likes: 185
From: Norn Iron
It would seem those who know how to make rings work....can sometimes make them work. But that seems difficult to achieve even for those who know.
Good studs, LS9 gaskets...it takes an idiot to get that wrong at the level you're looking for.
Good studs, LS9 gaskets...it takes an idiot to get that wrong at the level you're looking for.