Karl Snarl
Well-Known Member
Ok guys, the real advantage of a copper head gasket is not thermal regulation. I keep seeing that everywhere. Let me explain why before I move on to the real benefit. The exposed surface area to the atmosphere is not even enough to give a one degree drop in temps. Why yes copper is slightly better at thermal transfer than aluminum, the thing is, uh you are transferring it to aluminum from aluminum. The aluminum can only pick up the exact same amount of heat per unit of time as before when using an aluminum head gasket. Your jug and head are, ding ding, aluminum!!!! woot woot, same rate of thermal transfer per unit of time as before, because physics says it cannot dissipate any faster, because its absorption/black body rate is the same as before!!!!
Now to the real benefit, it comes in many thickness already cut for you, making setting squish a breeze. It last a long time and can be reused simply by heating it up to it's phase change temp and letting it cool down. It seals just as well as aluminum does, and maybe just a tiny bit better, but not enough to even give a horse b***s about.
So if you are going the copper route, thinking you will massively reduce the temps on your overly lean engine. I suggest not worrying, and just jetting your carb correctly. Because aluminum and copper perform almost identically. The only advantage is copper can be reused when annealed.
Now to the real benefit, it comes in many thickness already cut for you, making setting squish a breeze. It last a long time and can be reused simply by heating it up to it's phase change temp and letting it cool down. It seals just as well as aluminum does, and maybe just a tiny bit better, but not enough to even give a horse b***s about.
So if you are going the copper route, thinking you will massively reduce the temps on your overly lean engine. I suggest not worrying, and just jetting your carb correctly. Because aluminum and copper perform almost identically. The only advantage is copper can be reused when annealed.