so how do you measure it and what is optimal?

 

It takes me about a 12 pack to quench my thirst.

 

Quench is the distance from head deck to top of piston.

For example - my piston is .01 out of the hole, head gasket is .04", so my quench is .03" (.04-.01=.03)

I think optimal is somewhere in the .03 to .04 range, but don't quote me on that.

 

oh well thats easy. lol i thought it was like measuring to a certain part of the head like middle of the combustion chamber or something like that lol. ok i totaly over thought that . i searched for how to measure and got nothing so i figured i'd ask .

 

LOL I had no idea either until I built this motor.

 

Most engine builders say LS1 like .037-.042

 

so i called eagle and they said that the piston on there kits were made not to stick out of the hole. so i guess the .042 gasket by felpro would be best then? this is a budget build so i'm not in for really high price gaskets. no boost or n2o for now.

 

What are you building first? I have the Eagle "stroker kit", with JE Pistons and mine stick out .008 with stock deck height. I have read ALOT of bad exepriences over on tech with the FelPros others swear by them, it seems that the stocker MLS gaskets are a great budget option and actually handle boost and nitrous very wel with head studs they just pop easily with knock.

 

Its a 383. eagle stroker with 4" crank and 6.200" rods. i found the pistons on je's web site and there site says +.010" deck clearance. it also says 10.5:1 cr with 72cc heads and .057 head gaskets. so i guess the stock .052" head gaskets would be good and set me at .042 if the eagle site is right. who do i believe eagle saying its got .000 deck clearance or je the people who make the piston and says its .010?

 

You sure its a 6.200 rod and not a 6.125, I dont see any need for the longer rod with only a 4" stroke unless they are using pistons with REALLY long skirts.