O-ringing an engine??? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

EAtDUST · 07-05-2004, 17:13

Just a quick question regarding o-ringing a block (or head). What is involved and what improvements would i expect on power handling?? Can it be done to the head (not sure if i heard the right info).

EAtDUST · 07-05-2004, 21:50

I've also heard that Ford Performance Solutions (don't know location etc) can cut a groove so it can take felpro loc-wire gaskets and they can do it for about a 100 bucks with the block in the car.

There are also copper gaskets to consider. Anyone dealt with these or know who makes them for i6's (3.9/4.0).

What are there differences between them?
Copper gasket is a few 100 and the felpro is a few 100 (inc grooving and gasket) but not too sure about o-ringing. I'm under the impression you have to strip the block to do it.

svo347 · 07-05-2004, 22:06

O ringing is where a circular groove is cut into both the head & block,on each cyclinder
Felpro loc-wire head gaskets use a groove or receiver ring cut into the head only for each cyclinder
The gaskets oversize wire rings locate into the heads receiver ring. creating 2 combustion seals, the primary seal is a result of the clamping force which squeezes the armor covered wire ring between the block & head, the secondary seal is at the outside edge of the groove
These really are the $hit when it comes to containing high combustion pressures.

svo347 · 07-05-2004, 22:10

the only good thing about copper head gaskets is that they are re-useable & cost lots, but you have to use a sealer around the passages or they leak...

EAtDUST · 07-06-2004, 16:36

I tend to thrash my car on a regular basis which is why i keep killing the head gasket (heat mainly). I'm up to my fourth in 4 years and am fed up with it. Which of the forementioned methods holds the best pressures IYO.

svo347 · 07-06-2004, 21:04

For the price, Id have to go with Felpro's Locwire gaskets. Bloody good IMHO.. and hold up well under hi heat
Cheers mate

turboute · 07-06-2004, 22:14

You can just get either the head or the block O-ringed if you want, the O-rings used are not plastic or nitile material, they are usually metal, and if used in conjunction with a copper gasket, they will provide a pinch pont arount the cylinder through which the copper gasket will not be able to move. I am fairly sure that copper gaskets should not be used by themselves (no 0-ringed block) as copper is a fairly soft metal and would blow more easily than a steel item.

9psi EB · 07-07-2004, 08:27

Copper also reacts with alloy doesnt it?

EAtDUST · 07-07-2004, 17:41

Anyone know of someone in perth that does it and if so rough prices??

svo347 · 07-07-2004, 18:15

Try A1 Performance in Myree, If Leon cant do it he'll sure know of someone who can....