Hey riders, I'm at the assembly stage of my 103 build and I'm just looking for thoughts on head gasket thickness. I'm thinking a .030 MLS would do. Just as a reminder I have the following layed out ready to assemble.
SE Performance MCR Heads, Big Bore Jugs +.010, SE Forged Stroker pistons +.010, Head Quarters 525 Cams, SE Adjustable Push Rods, K & N, Klock Werks Double back Headers with Rinehart Mufflers. ThunderMax TBW ECM.
All this will be on my 2008 FLHTC. So, gasket thoughts anyone? The build should be in the 10.5:1 when completed.

Oh, and a quick plug for Georges Garage. Ordered/received his Inner Cam Bearing Removal/installer tool. Excellent quality made for a 10 minute job received in 10 days from Ontario, California to Ontario, Canada. Thanks George.

 

your head gasket thickness will be determined by your deck height, you want your pistons .030 from the heads; if your pistons are .003 down in the hole at TDC, you want .027 thick head gaskets.

 

buy the one that doesn't leak

 

Have you had the heads checked for cc volume? They are advertized to have 76cc chambers. I have been told they usually check around 78 to 80cc. Sounds like you will need a good tune and some good gas for hot weather riding. I think you'll be wise to install compression releases since the heads come machined for them. Good luck! Allyn

 

Holy cow...Rhonda? Rhonda who?

Where have you been?? How are you and Allyn?

Sorry for semi-hijacking the thread...haven't seen Rhonda post for quite some time.

One note: You have the motor apart...why not make a wise investment and do the compression releases now, rather than 'wish' you had later?

 

With that kind of compression and heads i would think you'd want to go with a bigger cam like the TR590 or a DME 590. I'm surprized Headquarters suggested that cam.

 

Thanks everyone. I do have the CR's installed. HQ actually suggested the HQ500 or the HQ525. I opted for the 525. I hope it's the right choice. I'm buttoning it up this weekend. I will measure the the deck height as suggested and calculate the necessary thickness. Will keep the post updated as the project progresses. Thanks again, safe riding all.