Head Gasket Choice

[edeburn_mustang]

I've got a 438 c.i.d., naturally aspirated Windsor based Iron Eagle block with a 9.5" deck height and a 4.125 bore, and my question is about recommended head gaskets. I was thinking maybe a Fel-pro #1031L or 1031R ? or ..., Titan makes a copper set, are they worth the extra price ?
I don't want to take the chance on a bad choice... Any input or further questions directed to me are greatly appreciated.

[want-a-be]

I've had good luck with the fel-pro stuff....

Don

[Awesome Bill]

I don't usually equate good head gaskets with any luck nor do I base it on that. Sorry Don. Head gaskets are chosen for application.

The way I choose a head gasket is bore size, compression and if any power adders are used ofcourse and what material the block and heads are.

I use the MLS 1133 to 1137 units from Fel Pro or equal Cometic #'s. They are the best and cost very little more than standard oring head gaskets. Stock applications with small power adders, I still use MLS. Stock engines or even street heat series that have under 11:1 will get oringed gaskets. Here is what I look at before head gaskets are chosen.

1. If I am running aluminum heads with and aluminum block, it is always an MLS head gasket
2. If I am running any power adders like nitrous, a MLS head gasket
3. If my compression is over 14:1, MLS head gasket
4. Aluminum heads and steel block high compression MLS head gasket
5. Your Ford block is a 4.380" bore center and with a 4.125" that is just a tad over ¼" of surface area. you will have very little in between the cylinders to keep it from pushing threw and only 10 bolts. . Seen it a 100 times. Power is push and push will move standard oringed wire head gaskets like it is nothing. If you are not running a lot of push, than your most likely o.k.
6.. Steel block steel heads, the stainless steel or copper ring head gaskets will be fine if your not using a power adder. A ring of wire versus a complete tri layer stainless steel teflon coated head gasket is the best head gasket going.

Copper head gaskets will leak even the ones with the silicon sealer most times later in life. You can add a wire in the head and receiver groove the block for the best seal possible but that most likely is over kill. We use that on most 1500 and up applications. Most every GM FORD CHRYSLER and most Foreign cars all use MLS gaskets and you may still get some that still fail around 50,000 miles. So don't cheap out on head gaskets! JMO

Hoe this helps.