Classic Ford – September 2019

It’s not just head gaskets that are available as

uprated items. In a highly tuned engine all the

gaskets are subjected to higher pressures and

temps and so could potentially fail.

As we have mentioned, different gaskets

need to be made of different materials

dependant upon what they aredesi nedto

seal. It is the same story with

gaskets too, as one material

excellent properties for copin

particular task, but may be utt

another area.

Co eticoffersa ran e of erfor ance

Performance gaskets

ALUMINIUM FOAM^

MATERIAL (AFM)

A synthetic foam rubber bonded to an

aluminium core (above). These are ideal for

sealing many components such as inlet

manifolds and rocker covers, as the foam

rubber compresses to create a seal.

CFM-20

This is ideal for areas subjected to high

temperatures as the steel perforated core

allows heat to be drawn across the gasket

in a uniform fashion. It is also coated with

an elastomer fi nish to help seal the two

surfaces together.

SPRING STEEL

Very similar to the outer la

head gasket, and work in t

They are ideal for sealing

surfaces, especially those

clamp loads.

ARAMID FIBRE

These gaskets (above) are suited to high

temperature areas and the high density of

the woven fabric offers great resistance to

tearing. Also as the aramid is fuel-resistant

this material is perfect for inlet manifold

gaskets.

ARMOUR CLAD

A combination of fi brous material coated in

a steel casing (above). They are capable of

dealing with temperatures up to 2000

degrees F, and are easily compressed,

making them ideal for sealing very uneven

surfaces such as exhaust manifolds.

“IN A TUNED

ENGINE, ALL

GASKETS ARE

SUBJECTED

TO HIGHER

PRESSURES AND

TEMPERATURES”

72 Month 2017