What is the best head gasket for a turbocharged 250 @ 15 psi?
I have Leo's book if you would like to borrow it. Lots of good info in there.
I have the 2002 edition of Leo's book - there are just two pages on the topic of head gaskets - and though one needs to read the rest of the book to put them in proper context, I will attempt to summarize.
He describes the Fel-Pro #8006 as "the workhorse" with no re-torq required on stock or mild hop-ups - but recommending re-torq in hi compression applications (greater than 10 to 1 comp).
He praises the newer design Fel-Pro #1025 and suggests that when combined with head studs "it all but eliminates the need to O-ring the block or head. It has been successfully used in supercharged and turbocharged engines in this manner."
If the build includes an O-ringed block then he suggests the Detroit Gasket #55002CS "is an excellent gasket for high horsepower applications."
He describes the reusable Clark and/or Specialty Component Engineering copper gasket as "really for serious competitors only and is almost always used in conjunction with studs and O-rings in either head or block."
He then mentions two other options: McCord #6889M and Filgar #G50005 (Argentia) with no particulars.
The book is a great read. An excellent addition to your library . . . or take up GMDad's offer and borrow it!
I don't think they were available when Leo wrote his book, but Cometic Gasket makes some high performance head gaskets:
Item #: C5699-036
Item #: C5699-040
https://www.cometic.com/ag-1856947.1856992.1857188-domestic-auto-gm-194-230-250-292-inline-6.html
I’ve purchased the second edition and read through it.
I’ve chose the Fel-pro 1025... supplier is going to take a couple weeks to get it in ☹️
Suppose I’ll be a few weeks from installing the engine, anyway.
Cheers!