16 Kohler either Magnum or K341

[Docwheelhorse 2,740]

Hello All---I was wondering if any noticeable gain on power could be had by installing one of these ultra thin .031 copper head gaskets. I think the stock ones are .055 so we are talking 24 thousandths here. My Magnum 16 is coupled to a 10,000 watt generator and if I could get another 1-2 hp out of it I would definietly pay the money for the gasket. On the same subject---what does anybody think of shaving the head .050---am I going to then overheat the engine and cook it???

Thoughts---

Thanks

Tony

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,882]

Tony, if that is the only modification you're going to do, I doubt you will see any noticeable HP gains.

[Jim_M 179]

If you have a stock cam you can easily mill the head the head .060", use a copper gasket and still have plenty of clearance.

It will raise your compression ratio. I don't know if it will do everything you want it to, but if you run a little higher octane gas in it you won't hurt it.

[Docwheelhorse 2,740]

HI--thanks for the info, I am going to get a second head and mill it the .060 and then mate it to the .031 copper gasket and feed it some 93 octane and see if I notice anything.

Tony

[Jim_M 179]

You may not need to go as high as 93 octane. You won't be raising the compression as much as you might think.

[Curmudgeon 28]

One thing to consider is, the thinner head gasket or milling of the block or head will increase compression, which can increase power. It also reduces the flow area around the valves which could reduce flow.

Oft times the head or block has some "reliefs" ground in them to keep the flow up.

Whether that small amount of compression or possible impeded flow will increase or decrease power is a very good question in deed.

[Jim_M 179]

Here's a K341 head that's been milled .060" You can see the the chamber and ramp still allow for plenty of flow.

Here's a K341 block that's been decked .020, there is still plenty of pocket around the valves to allow flow.

[Docwheelhorse 2,740]

HI Jim, thanks for the info... I'm still looking around for a good used head and will do the .060 mill / .031 copper gasket thing and see if I notice anything.

Tony

[Jim_M 179]

If you buy a used head, make sure it hasn't been milled before, or at least try to figure out where you're at before you mill too much. You can always mill it a little at a time and check clearances as you go, but as long as you can still see the shape of the gasket surface you'll have enough clearance.