1989 Chevy Corvette Head Gasket Modification Possibility?

JOSEPI387

MEMBER
1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

I took down a 89 vette with aluminum heads today with a blown head gasket. I noticed that the three water ports at the top and bottom of the head are restricted by the gasket itself, ( the ports in the heads and in the block are substancial but the gasket holes are approx 3/16 in diameter). I have determined that the gaskets supplied are correct but Im not happy about the restriction. Would I cause an unseen problem by modifying the gaskets to allow the water to flow through the head?

2 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

I have seen these head gaskets go bad, I have never heard of opening up the passages. I would leave it alone, gm put in a lot of research and im sure they are there for a reason. (Unless you just came across something noone else has thought of)? There is a gm engineer in the forum hopefully he will see this post and respond

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 5:50 PM

JOSEPI387

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Thanks for the input Tim, I've also seen this before. My concern here is due to the old gaskets as they appear to be "cooked". The right side blew to the outside and when I removed the head the gasket actually crumbled into nothing. This indication of overheat was apparent on both sides. Unfortunately I don't know the history of the vehicle.

These are aluminum heads and I can't see them taking that kind of heat without damage. I just haven't been able to come up with an excuse NOT to let the water flow freely through these heads. Seems to me, "the cooler the better" at least in this situation but. As you said GM likely knows best. My problem is that I love second guessing the big boys designs. :-)

Joe

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 8:23 PM