Blown Head Gaskets on Olds 403

[CaNNedHeaT]

Hi, I have an Olds 403. I upgraded my heads to 7a's. Since then I have blown my 2nd head gasket. First time was my fault, no doubt. I used a OEM replacement head gasket, this last time I used a Fel Pro head gasket set, that I was told would be good up to 10:5 - 1 compression. What should I use this time? Summit has Copper gaskets or ROL has a performance gasket set. I would rather not do this again. One other question, is it neccessary to replace the head bolts?


Thanks for your help,
Scott

[DennisG.]

First, are you sure the gaskets were for a 403 and not a 350 or 455. There is a difference. Second, the Fel Pro's are all you need. Don't waste your money on the coppers. Third. Did you have the heads cut or the block decked ? If not, or only the heads cut, I would check the deck surface of the block or both. Safe to say you did open up the dowel pin holes deep enough for a good tight seal. You should'nt need new bolts but I would replace them if they have been torqued more then twice and don't forget to oil the threads bedore you torque them down. Hope some of this helps.

[olds]

Cometic

[sleepy]

Are you popping the gasket in the same place? if you are check the head to see if it's warped also check the block surface. I had that happen with a semi motor i rebuilt one of the three heads(reconditioned) was warped and kept blowing $100 head gasket.