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65 Riv Nailhead head gaskets???


Guest PRDDETROIT

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Guest PRDDETROIT

Hello Everyone,

We're putting my 65 Riv motor together and getting ready to swap out the original 401. The new motor is a 65- 401 bored 0.30 , Balanced with a 340hp cam, fresh heads. Done from pan to carb.

My question is... What head gasket manufactures do you recommend and what should I look for? I've heard some are good, and some are questionable.

We got all the rest of the pieces together today for the swap. We're putting the motor back together, Trans is rebuilt with a new torque converter, 65 gas pedal and linkage, Trans kick down switch, 65 shifter, 65 crossmember, 65 front and rear driveshafts and carrier bearing, and a 65 3.08 positraction rear end.

I'm ordering my 2 inch drop springs next week. We start on it June 30th back in Detroit.

Thanks for any info on the gaskets. I will post pics of the whole process as it comes along

Edited by PRDDETROIT (see edit history)
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Boring a 401 .030 doesn't get you anywhere close to a 425. You'd need to bore .125 to get there and thats not possible. I sure hope your builder/machinest didn't tell you it was a 425 after going .030.

As for gaskets any well established name brand like Best or Felpro. I'm not an engine builder so don't have experience with various gasket manufacturers but after research this is I used and was very impressed with the quality. Buick 364 400 401 425 Full Gasket Set Best Engine Kit | eBay

Edited by JZRIV (see edit history)
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A 401 bored 0.030 over is a 413. Here's the last line from an article written by Russ Martin. Russ is a Nailhead Guru, and along with Tom Telesco, is the last word on Nailheads. Quote - "One last thing F-E-L-P-R-O head gaskets, the thick ones are pron to oil leakage, avoid using them. We sell Victor and BEST head gaskets ONLY."

Here's a link to the article on his website. Read the entire article then go back and read every article on rebuilding a nailhead just to make sure you didn't overlook anything.

Gaskets and Sealers |

Ed

PS - If you look closely at the BEST gasket set that Jason linked you to on ebay, you'll notice that it covers every nailhead built from 1957 to 1966. It has 3 carburetor gaskets, two water pump gaskets, etc. It's packaged with lots of left over parts you won't need. You'd probably be better off just ordering the individtual gaskets you need. It does however include a rubber rear manin seal rather than the OE style rope seal.

Edited by RivNut (see edit history)
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Guest Rob J

Do NOT use Fel Pro head gaskets. Both Tom Telesco and Russ Martin do not recommend them. Used Victor on my recent engine rebuild.

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Guest PRDDETROIT
Do NOT use Fel Pro head gaskets. Both Tom Telesco and Russ Martin do not recommend them. Used Victor on my recent engine rebuild.

Thanks Rob. I've been reading the articles on it. I'm going to get Victor or Best gaskets.

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