Author Topic: 360 LA gaskets on 360 Magnum  (Read 953 times)

Offline 73cudakid

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360 LA gaskets on 360 Magnum
« on: March 01, 2011 - 01:59:46 PM »
Im building a 408 magnum block stroker for another one of my projects with LA timing cover & accessories, but with magnum heads and carbed intake. I remember reading somewhere that I can use an LA gasket set instead of the magnum set. I know the LAs have an oil passage from the cam to the cylinder head and the magnum does not, but dont think that would be a problem? Anyone use the full LA set on a magnum motor?
Thanks
Dave




Offline femtnmax

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Re: 360 LA gaskets on 360 Magnum
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011 - 02:31:31 PM »
I'm running LA short block with magnum heads and intake.  I used Felpro LA head gaskets #Q8553PT.  I did block off the oil passages at the top of the block, but this shouldn't be a problem for you with your magnum block.
My understanding is the Magnum head gaskets have extra material to hold the pushrods in place during engine assembly.   A stick or piece of wire set against the cylinder head rocker arm studs serves the same purpose.
The magnum intake ports are a different shape than the earlier LA ports, so I used magnum intake manifold gasket set with the cork end seals. 

I tried the Felpro Q1008 head gaskets.  They have pre-flattened combusition chamber sealing wire, supposed to be better for aluminum heads.  But the gasket material was not very compressible, was a very hard material.  Ended up with water leaking out of both head gaskets.  No, I did not coat them with a spray on sealer.  So I switched to the "PT" type gaskets which are meant to compress and seal without spray on sealers.  I am running 10.5 compression with no issues so far.
Hope this helps
« Last Edit: March 01, 2011 - 02:36:56 PM by femtnmax »
Phil