[Land-speed] Gaskets...

[drmayf]

Some of you know that I had some issues with boost and with over 
fueling.  Many said I looked like a diesel heading down the salt. Well, 
today I started checking things. Well actually a day or two ago. I was 
looking for places where boost could sneak off and hide. I may have 
found a loose hose clamp on one turbo. Maybe. But I found no other 
gaskets out of place or lookinglike they had leaked. Not counting the 
intake to head gaskets. But today I ran a compression test on all 8 
cylinders and ...bummer... #3 and # 8 were both down. # 3 down to 60 
psig and #8 down to 100 where the tohers were all above 127 and very 
closely matched. So I borrowed Skips leakdown tester and went at those 2 
cylinders. Yikes! #3 would only hold 8 psig when hit with 100 on the 
input. #8 was far better at 100 / 92 in / out. So I don't know about it. 
But #3 is difinately out of whack. I listened at the intake manifold, no 
hissing, no hissing at the exhaust pispe and surprisingly no bubbles int 
he radiator water surge tank.  Never the less, I suspect the big blown 
gasket. Now mind you these are Cometic MLS gaskets that are supposed to 
be really good.  In the interest of scientific survey, however, let me 
poll the group: What head gaskets are best for a 5.0L ford with aluminum 
heads and running 16 to 18 psig boost? Any body want to hazard a guess 
based on experience? I need to order some so that I can play with it all 
next week. I have to go out of town this week to see a dentist (I 
amgoing to sneak across the border the other way, lol) so no work after 
tuesday..until Sat.

Helpful hints?  Thoughts?

many thanks,
'
mayf