What's involved to have a sleeved block o-ringed? Does it have to be done everytime you pull the head off? Can any machine shop do it? What are the pro/cons if there are any..

 

it depends on who sleeved the block, and generally yes you need to change O-rings everytime you change the headgasket..

pros:
-I havent had a headgasket issue since Ive done this
i used to blow headgaskets every couple months
-adds to the sealing area. better seal around the cylinders
-theres a 1000whp car here locally running these
cons:
Ive heard that people blow more head gaskets.
havent heard any other complaints...Im glad i was recommended to do this to my GE sleeves and i use OEM headgaskets

 

Had a copper o-ring from golden eagle 7 years ago, and went through about 2-3 headgaskets (for maintaining reasons). Never changed the o-ring. Never knew it was necessary. Still running the same block since. this was a requirement?

 

I'm buying a used aebs sleeved block that's copper o-ringed. Not sure if I need to get it re o-ringed before I slap my head on it.

 

Its pretty much just going off the fact that once you torque the studs, your gonna crush the copper o-ring a little bit. With that being said though, you're a good example to show that it doesn't have to be done.

As for the cons, I can't think of any, as for the pros.

I'm leaning over my laptop and trying not to wake my daughter sleeping so please forgive typos .

As for the cons, I can't think of any, as for the pros, this is is taken directly from maximum boost by Corky Bell,

The thought of trying to improve a head gasket should not imply that the head gasket is a weak link. A new stock head gasket, mated to a flat surface and accompanied by a properly torqued head stud, is a good joint. Head gaskets do not general tend to "blow". Rather , one could say that detonation will blow anything, and the head gasket is often the first think standing in the line. Almost always the most effect cure for blown head gasket is control of detonation. Clearly, however , the maximum-effort engine must be quipped with maximum effort head gaskets , several methods exist for substantially improving a stock head gasket. The fundamental idea is to offer some form of a motion barrier that will help the head gasket stay put if its subjected to a few detonation blasts. This barrier usually takes the form of an interlock or mechanical barrier, shown in figure 13.6 ( which is an o-ring block )

Might be worth it just for peace of mind, its not hard nor expensive. Golden eagle has instructions on there site, it just involves tapping it in with a wood or soft object and then cutting it off at the end clean so there is no gap.

 

Question....
I have a GE sleeved block with o-ring block needs to be decked wat is gonna happen o-ring wise? Am i gonna be able to use them still or do i have to get a thinner wire????IDK.....but thanks in advance...

 

hmm. interesting. So the fact that I've been thorough all this time in retorquing the ARP studs helps. understood.