Doing a valve job and want to keep stock "low" (9:1 I think in '69 for 2 bbl 350?) compression. Will do minimal to no planing on the heads, what's the best head gasket to use to retain present compression or close, and also for durability?

Also I realize the nylon timing gears are a weak point, this 350 has never been apart with 106k miles.
Do it now, and what gears to use? Again it's stock and it's not going to be run hard, just a cruiser for this old guy to have fun at the drive-ins..

Any other weak points that should be addressed at that mileage on a original engine? Bottom end is fine.

 

For a stock 2bbl motor, just get the basic Cloyes C3006K replacement chain and gears, about $18 at RockAuto. Similarly, I'd just use FelPro blue head gaskets. Depending on how much you're cutting the heads, you may actually see a minor drop in CR with them due to the thicker compressed thickness vs. OEM.

 

Thanks, ordered the blue Fel Pros and will order the Cloyes next...!
I use only premium no-ethanol 91 so if even he takes a bit off it should hopefully still be OK no-knock wise.
(Anyone remember Gulf No Nox 100? Those were the days.

 

A stock 9.0:1 should be able to run the cheapest cat-pi$$ gas you can buy today with no issues. In any case, the thicker FelPro gaskets will likely lower CR a couple of tenths, even with the milling.

 

These gaskets keep you close to stock compression ratio with no milling but you pay for them. The listed price is for one! Sold individually

https://www.jegs.com/i/Cometic-Gaske...8-027/10002/-1

 

If teeth are missing from the cam gear, the oil pick up should be cleaned. The Fel-pros will drop the CR, don't hesitate to surface the heads, others will know how much...anybody???

Do you remember Sunoco 260? If yes what was the other grade Sunoco blended with 260?

Good luck!!!

 

Sunoco 190... being in my 70s I do recall that stuff!

Thnx, I ordered the Fel Pro blue, no way will I pay almost 200$ for flippin' head gaskets LOL!