Matched my ports, sacrificed gasket...

[dimentio]

Well, I finally decided to test out this "port matching" technique on a spare cylinder head I had from my very first motor.... I had to give up my base gasket to swap the heads so i have a leak now (oil dripping near cylinder base) however, the rev speeds are much higher, and I feel much better throttle response (after I tightened the idle screw a bit to compensate for the leak....) Anyways, I had a question, which is better to use as far as gaskets? aluminum or fabric?

PS, will definitely be port matching on all future motors!

 

[maniac57]

Don't use fabric. I make mine from cheap dollarstore aluminum roasting pans.
The lid on some frozen meals also works well. It's nice and soft so it seals good plus its easy to cut and punch for making your own shapes.
they don't stick as bad either so they are re-useable.
I spray a couple of coats of aluminum metallic paint and let it dry before use.
Then install normally.

 

[donphantasmo]

I have seen people make them from Aluminum cans (soda cans). I know it works. But you can get a paper gasket from any auto store for less then $10, and it should solve your problems.