[ponchjoe]

Hey guys, my new to me 67 LeMans has 30# compression on cyls 4 & 6 which I’m assuming to be the head gasket. It is supposedly rebuilt and ran flawlessly until it clattered on acceleration, I gingerly drove it home 8 miles and tested compression, checked rockers etc.

I have read after a search not to use the head gaskets that Felpro has consolidated into the 8518 kit. What’s the deal, why would they say they work if they don’t? I have a 400 and 455 the need rebuilt but would like to drive the car this fall and won’t be able to get one done quickly.
What head gasket can I use?
Thanks

[tom s]

Check with Best Gasket compny,I think a 350 gasket will work with the 326.Tom

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by tom s

Check with Best Gasket compny,I think a 350 gasket will work with the 326.Tom

Thanks Tom. I did not see a listing for it when searched

[Joe-Touring]

The reason you dont want to use the 400/455 head gaskets is simply due to bore size. The 8518 gasket has a stated bore size of 4.3”. The 326 bore is 3.72”. That leaves a lot of open space to lose compression. Besides compression, I’ve heard some not so good things happen when you have a large recessed area like that between the heads and block.

Cometic also makes 326 gaskets, can get em thru Butler.

[ponchjoe]

Thanks. 4-6 weeks and $231 a set. Ouch
I am guessing that the PO uses the 8518 set. Think I’ll just build my 400 instead of trying to fix the 326. It’s a bummer because it ran so good

Originally Posted by Joe-Touring

The reason you dont want to use the 400/455 head gaskets is simply due to bore size. The 8518 gasket has a stated bore size of 4.3”. The 326 bore is 3.72”. That leaves a lot of open space to lose compression. Besides compression, I’ve heard some not so good things happen when you have a large recessed area like that between the heads and block.

Cometic also makes 326 gaskets, can get em thru Butler.

[Sirrotica]

Cometic lists them for a 3.750 bore, but they ain't cheap, $197.88 a pair before tax at Jegs.

If you could find head gaskets for a 1980-81, 265 (smaller brother of the 301) they are also for a 3.750 bore, but I couldn't find any in a quick search on the net.

[Joe's Garage]

FelPro #260-1122 is the part number. $89.79 plus shipping on Rockauto.

You'd get a bunch of gaskets you don't need, but you'd get the PermaTorque head gaskets.

EDIT: The head gaskets in THAT kit look totally different with not nearly as many water jacket holes as the original 326 gaskets......

Good luck!

[steve25]

Egge machine / auto parts has a complete gasket set for 223 bucks.

[Formulas]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/19646360668...mis&media=COPY

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by Formulas

https://www.ebay.com/itm/19646360668...mis&media=COPY

I have those in my cart and I did find one NOS gasket on the interweb. I hate to not fix this motor but I’ve got a nice very little ridge 400 I could build

[grandam1979]

I have a set of GM gaskets I might sell if you can’t find any.

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by grandam1979

I have a set of GM gaskets I might sell if you can’t find any.

What would you want from them or do you know of a good motor like that last one I bought through you? It was the 400 from the green 68 HO car

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by Joe's Garage

FelPro #260-1122 is the part number. $89.79 plus shipping on Rockauto.

You'd get a bunch of gaskets you don't need, but you'd get the PermaTorque head gaskets.

EDIT: The head gaskets in THAT kit look totally different with not nearly as many water jacket holes as the original 326 gaskets......

Good luck!

Thanks but not putting 301 gaskets on the car, they are not the same

[ponchjoe]

Found some NOS for $15 each

[steve25]

Can’t beat that!