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Dave Gantz · 12-28-2013, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the information, guys. I should've mentioned that the .028" gasket is a composite. I'm going to go with that one.
Before I took it apart, I was "assuming" it would have a .039", or so gasket, thinking that what Chevy used is about the same as aftermarket. I ordered the .028" figuring I would at least pick up a little, maybe a half a point. Turns out I'll lose a little.
The engine is out of a 8500# step van, used for work. It got 8 mpg when I bought the truck 4 years ago. (The truck is a '75. The engine is a Mexican 2 piece rear main seal crate.) I put 1 1/2 diameter headers, dual exhaust and played with the distributor curve. Now it gets 8-9 mpg. I just figure that at 8500#, it's not going to get much better. But, being a tinkerer, while I have it apart to stop leaks, I am trying: Advancing the cam 6*, using 1.6 rockers, and I was going to try bumping the compression a little. It's not worth machine shop time to me though. For one, I wouldn't know where to get machine work done where I live now, and mostly, I need the truck!

12-28-2013, 08:49 AM	#8
Dave Gantz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Verrry South Jersey Posts: 537 Likes: 134 Liked 251 Times in 125 Posts	Re: 350 Head Gasket Thanks for the information, guys. I should've mentioned that the .028" gasket is a composite. I'm going to go with that one. Before I took it apart, I was "assuming" it would have a .039", or so gasket, thinking that what Chevy used is about the same as aftermarket. I ordered the .028" figuring I would at least pick up a little, maybe a half a point. Turns out I'll lose a little. The engine is out of a 8500# step van, used for work. It got 8 mpg when I bought the truck 4 years ago. (The truck is a '75. The engine is a Mexican 2 piece rear main seal crate.) I put 1 1/2 diameter headers, dual exhaust and played with the distributor curve. Now it gets 8-9 mpg. I just figure that at 8500#, it's not going to get much better. But, being a tinkerer, while I have it apart to stop leaks, I am trying: Advancing the cam 6*, using 1.6 rockers, and I was going to try bumping the compression a little. It's not worth machine shop time to me though. For one, I wouldn't know where to get machine work done where I live now, and mostly, I need the truck!