Deck height and head gasket checking
 

How does NHRA tech check deck height and v-8 head gasket thickness? I use a depth mic at 12, 3, 6, 9 clock points and take average of 4 points. The head gasket on v-8, i measure 3 points between cylinders then take average. Are either of these correct? Also, should MLS type gaskets be measured different? Thanks for any and all comments or corretions.

Re: Deck height and head gasket checking
 

Usually, they'll just check the deck height at the center in conjunction with doing the stroke measurement. Remember, they're just looking for a number that's over the spec.
Also , they will usually measure the gasket at those same three points. Being a Pontiac builder ,you probably torque the middle two bolts an extra five lbs, but if the other two pts are 1-2 thou over, they'll give you that number.
You don't want to cut it that close anyway though.

Re: Deck height and head gasket checking
 

What you're doing should be fine. Call or email your division tech director just to be sure you're using the same procedure he does.

And Mark is right, don't go for that last couple of thousandths. It won't make you faster, but it might make you fail tech. Leave a margin for measurement error.