Head Gaskets, What to use?

[RedCSX]

I am in the process of bolting together a 427 with Edlebrock heads. In fact almost complete. We used Fel Pro head gaskets with S.S. fire ring. Feeling good. Then I read this on FordMuscle.com, from theire Project FE build article.

"Fel Pro head gaskets will mate the block to the head. Remember to use a head gasket with a copper fire ring when using aluminum heads. Steel or iron fire rings wont compress enough and cause sealing problems".

Is this indeed the case. Have we made a mistake by installing gaskets with steel fire rings?

thanks,
Morgan

[blykins]

I don't think mine were copper...I used ROL gaskets with my Edelbrock Vic Jr's.

[Barry_R]

You'll have no problems.

I've run the 1020 Fel-Pro head gaskets on my personal FE engines with Edelbrock heads for several years without any issues.

[CJ428CJ]

I'm running the Fel Pro 1020's on my 428 with Edelbrock heads. No problems so far but I only have 2000 miles on it.

[dynoroom]

I have built many FE's with Fel-Pro 1020 head gaskets, you won't have any sealing problems. However Aluminum heads will bernell or "indent" a very slight amount with the stainless O-ring this gasket uses. This is not a problem unless you remove and install the heads severial times, then you may need to serface the heads. The copper O-ring is not available in the FE gaskets.
Enjoy your project!