sealing · FF-0336

Will a better head gasket make up for weak studs on a 21-stud Flathead?

Steve does not think the studs are weak: 21 fasteners of 7/16 inch are plenty for four cylinders a side. The real limit is that when the bore gets close to a stud there is not enough material for an effective seal, however much clamping force there is, and that limits how far a 21-stud can be bored. He has a 1937 21-stud block bored 60 over that works fine. He supports using the best gasket available whether or not the block has been bored, and notes his ARDUN engine uses multi-layer steel gaskets.

Expert

Steve Coppock

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

head gasket and studs

Applicable scope

1932–1937 Ford Flathead V8, 21-stud