I'm finally about to install my 1412 stroker, which has a BK450. However it's 2-1/2 years since built, so should be OK.
In the past I've even used 2 together on my 1310 (with flat tops) to get the C/R down, never had a problem with em.
I have a couple of more recent new BK450s here still in plastic, and they look the same as the old ones- go figure.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I'm sure the Mowog showed us a photo of an almost brand new BK blown
between the cylinders some time back.

Yes, there was a shitty batch. Minispares were replacing them free of charge a few months ago (obviously only if you bought it from them). I don't know the exact details. My last one blew between 2 and 3 as well. I Tspeed Jem had one blow in the same way.

I *think* I have one of the bad ones as a spare in my gasket drawer. I'm keen to put it on and see if/when it fails. It came from KC in July/August last year I think.

The one I put on in January is doing it's job...

"don't let one bad apple destroy the whole barrel", or maybe "don't let a few bad apples turn you off apples for life, 'cos they're yummy and are good for you"

Dont get me wrong, I still love the BK450, I just have about 6 new ones left on the shelf that I am going to throw out (brought a batch of 10 from Carcraft about 12 months ago) and so far 3 of them have craped themselves.
I must of got a bunch of bad ones, ill buy some new stock and see how they go.
Heres what i am sooking about...

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Have a Nice Day.
If already having a nice day please disregard.

I always thought the BK450 fire rings used to be austenitic S/S, but nooooo they are not.
I just checked my old (good, ex 1310) one, and a brand new one, and both are magnetic.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I made an assumption throughout this thread that all the pro's and con's for either gasket were in relation to a cast iron head. Is that correct ?
Reason for asking is that I will soon be fitting an alloy head and have been told categoricaly to use a copper (AF470) gasket that will be supplied with the head.

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'98 Mpi Sportspack + 7 port alloy head

I purchased one not long after this sh!t fight.... cos they sounded "SoooOOOooooOOOOoooo" good.

I installed it in the motor mentioned earlier in this thread, and when I was changing the cam after I ran the motor in, I had the head off and while I was at it noticed that there was evidence of the water jaket and MAYBE oil galley leaking.

And yes, it to was a newly machined motor. If there was any warpage, it was less than a 0.001".

I even double checked it after I found the leakage.

Very disapointed.

The matter was reffered to Greg karcraft. He is (or was) investigating.


In the mean time, I have gone back to copper gaskets. No problems at all.

Engine is running 11.2:1 compression.

<edit> there was also evidence that it was not far from blowing between 2-3

The BK450 of 'old' is no more. I looked in to these a little while ago and the BK450 that is available today is little more than black cardboard with some crappy bits of metal (?) pressed on for firing rings. The old one were stamped Made In England, the new crap ones are not.

About the best head gasket arount is the AF470. It is a Composite Copper one. I've been using them for many many years and not had any gasket problems from these.

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Nothing wrong with the standard "ally" ones either. Don't sell them short

You could try a cometic... their a stainless gasket. They cost a bit but they DO last forever. <edit> so I'm told.

What are they worth? Maybe I need me a good one for me 998!

COPPER RULES!!

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Chuck Norris is the only person alive who can kick you in the back of the face!!
mooo, I'm a pig!

Ok this isn't a circus...

Someones asking a serious question.

Thanks guys but nobody answered my question

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'98 Mpi Sportspack + 7 port alloy head

I offered a suggestion (two or three posts up)

Not sure how copper and ally go. But if this was the recomendation made by your engine builder I'd listen.

Otherwise (like my suggestion suggests haha) you could try a stainless cometic