What are the advantages of copper head gaskets?
Copper is a good heat conductor, better than the steel of the stock or other aftermarket head gaskets. This helps take heat out of the head for improved combustion chamber cooling. Copper is very strong yet can be made soft by annealing. Different thickness can be utilized for numerous applications. Head gaskets can be individually customized if the bores are offset from stock.
I want a different thickness gasket. Can I order that from FES?
Yes, we can supply any thickness needed up to 1/8"! This is very important if your head has been milled for flatness, or you want to drop compression ratio for extremely high boost applications. These are custom orders, so please call us directly at (650) 241-1161 to discuss your needs, or e-mail us at FES Information. We charge a small $25 extra for custom thicknesses.
Will copper withstand the heat of the combustion chamber?
Yes. Copper will not "burn" through. Even with the very high temperatures and pressures seen in diesel engines copper will maintain its integrity.
Will copper hold up to the extra pressures seen when aftermarket turbos, superchargers or other high boost options are installed?
Yes. In fact, because copper is a better heat conductor than steel, copper gaskets will help transfer heat from the head into the block better than the stock or any other steel gasket. This is especially important with high boost engines.
Do Copper head gaskets compress like regular "sandwich" types gaskets?
No. The advantage of copper is that it will not compress. The final installed height is the thickness of the gasket.
Will copper head gaskets "take-up" imperfections in the head or deck?
Not really, the best head gasket will not work if the deck-head interface is not in good/nominal shape. Make sure the mating surfaces are flat and true.
Can the head gasket be reused?
Maybe, depending on how the gasket looks after disassembly. If it was "kinked" or bent severely upon removal from the engine it would not be a good idea to straighten and reuse. If the engine was "o" ringed do not reuse the gasket.
