63 FI Engine rebuild questions

[Robert B.]

getting ready to assemble this engine. It has so far the crank and pistons installed by the machine shop.
Pistons are Federal Mogol L2166F .030

What would be the best head gaskets and head bolts etc. Thanks

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 FI Engine rebuild questions

Robert, I use Felpro composition gaskets. Compressed thickness apx 0.039". This will have a slight effect on your CR, but I like the added sealing properties for old engines. You could use original type metal gaskets and paint them, but .............(insert other poster's comments here)

I get complete top engine rebuild sets from NAPA. But.....oil pan, fuel pump, etc gaskets don't come in this set.
e.g. http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...PT8_0395377603

The lower set.....
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...332_0147213778

However I don't use their intake manifold gaskets or thermostat housing gaskets as I get the correct black original types elsewhere. I don't like visible Blue gaskets on these older engines. Paint will cover the edges of head, oil pan, timing cover, etc gaskets. If I feel I have to use exhaust manifold gaskets, I trim their edges to be flush with the exhaust ports so they're not so conspicuous.

Also remember to measure your oil-pan front depth to use the correct front timing cover to pan seal. There are 2 thicknesses. If your pan is a later replacement or a reproduction it may require the thicker seal. BTW, I throw out the intake manifold front/rear 'china wall' seals. I use black RTV silicone on the walls after masking the edges of the block and manifold. After it kicks-off a little and skins over while curing, I remove the tape to leave a nice edge.

I clean and re-use original "M" and "O" or "?" head bolts.

Rich

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 FI Engine rebuild questions

Depending what camshaft you have, you need to know the maximum true measured compression ratio that it will tolerate without detonation with whatever the highest PON is available to you. I've published this data for most OE cams.

Then you measure deck clearance and run all the data through a compression ratio calculator and select a head gasket thickness that will not exceed the target.

Here's a Web-based CR calculator I use. In trying various head gasket thickness you should note how sensitive the CR is to only a few thousanths change in thickness. The 340/360 HP engines need a slightly thicker gasket that later SHP/FI engines, all other things equal, because of the smaller chambers and earlier closing inlet valve of the OE Duntov cam (if that's what you used) compared to later mechanical lifter cams.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/compcalc.html

I hope you didn't reuse the spindly, prone to break OE connecting rods.

Duke