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Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions:
1. I'd like to use copper but I don't want to o-ring my motor, is there a solution?
Yes, you can use our ICS Titan (S prefix) head gaskets which have a built in combustion seal. The ICS Titan combustion seal is strong enough for almost any street driven engine. However, for extreme racing combinations such as high boost over 15lb or Nitrous over 100 shot, O-ring combustion seals are best because they anchor the head gasket to the block or head.
2. I want to run my car on the street but copper gaskets are known to leak coolant, is there a way to prevent leaks?
Yes, if your engine has O-rings in the block or heads use our Titan (T prefix) self sealing copper head gaskets, you get the unbeatable strength of copper gaskets without the worry of coolant leaks. For a little extra insurance against coolant leaks, spray some KW Copper Coat on the gaskets. If your engine does not have O-rings in the block or head use the ICS Titan (S prefix).
3. Can I install an O-Ring the head or must it be in the block?
The O-Ring seals equally well in either the block or head. While it is easier to install O-rings in the block using a boring bar or a manual O-Ring cutter, it is preferable to install O-rings in the cylinder head when using aluminum heads on an iron block. This arrangement will prevent friction brinneling (indentation) of the aluminum head sealing surface at the O-ring.
4. Are there any recommendations on how to install O-Rings in my engine?
Detailed instructions are available on the engine prep page.
5. Are copper head gaskets reusable?
Yes, our Pro Copper series (P prefix) head gaskets can be be reused several times as long as there are no signs of failure, such as carbon tracking beyond the O-Ring. Carefully clean the head gaskets with aerosol brake cleaner (or similar) and use KW Copper Coat (available on our site) for coolant sealing. Titan series (T prefix) head gaskets can also be reused by cleaning off the sealant beads and prepping in the same manner. ICS series (S prefix) head gaskets are not recommended for re-use.
6. When installing embossed copper exhaust gaskets, which side goes toward the head?
The flat side of the embossed copper exhaust gasket faces the head. The embossing allows for any irregularities in the manifold or header.
7. Are copper exhaust products reusable?
Yes, Copper exhaust gaskets can be reused several times as long as they are re-installed on the same flange from which they were removed.
8. Do you make a 2½ exhaust gasket for the BBC?
Yes, our part number 4213 is for 2½ outside diameter tubing, the 2.385 port size on our gaskets matches the I.D. of this size header.
9. Does SCE make custom gaskets?
Yes we do, however with the large number of gaskets we currently produce, there is a very good chance we already have a design to fit the engine in question. Check our online catalog first to see if your gasket is available.
10. Do you recommend a re-torque on head gaskets?
Yes, since our gaskets live in the extreme conditions found in High Performance engines, SCE recommends a re-torque on all head gaskets.
11. Does SCE have a high performance head gasket other than copper?
Yes, our Pro-Seal (5 prefix) performance head gasket is designed specifically for street/strip or naturally aspirated racing engines.
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