[cadillac512]

I installed the re-domed EAB heads on my 260" Merc ( 8BA/8CM type) this morning. Without gaskets the pistons were lightly kissing the heads...about .005"-.010", so on went the .050" Graphtite gaskets. I spent about 3 1/2 hrs doing the job on the '41 Merc. The previous gaskets (same brand) lightly stuck half to the head and half to the block but were easily removed with a single edge razor blade and a small shop vac.

It fired up instantly and runs beautifully (as it did before with the 8CM heads and .040" clearance) but now has a bit more growl under throttle and cruises with a bit less throttle opening to maintain the same speed. Acceleration is crisp and strong and will pull from 10 mph in high gear.

It's a nice improvement...not huge, but a step up from an already sweet running flathead. I'll be interested to see if any fuel mileage improvement is noticeable.

By the way, for those interested in such things: I checked cranking compression pressure when I returned from a drive just a bit ago. Previously checked at 120# with the 8CM heads--now checks at just under 150#. Nice.

Terry