Head gasket thickness

[wbilotta]

I did a search and it appears the stock head gasket has a thickness of .043" Now, if I were to replace it with a copper gasket measuring .020" isn't that same as milling the head .023" ? Is there any reason not to try this ? Do I need to worry about the gasket being too thin to seal ? Is there a reason to use copper gaskets over aluminum ?

I'm starting to play around w/ the engine and I need to replace the head gasket and I wanted to try a thinner gasket just to see if there is any difference. I removed the eyebrow and I'm going to clean up the intake/exhaust ports, lap the valves, replace the springs. Does anyone know what the stock height of the springs is ? The engine is a 130202.

Thanks

 

[jr dragster T]

Watch your Valve to Head clearence. A thinner gasket gives the same affect as milling.