Thicker head gasket VS machining pistons

[MulleMeck]

Hello! I'm about to order some parts (gasket kit, forged pistons) to my engine rebuild (TT). I was calculating the compression ratio and did get 8.49:1 with a 0.066" head gasket and 8.6 with a 0.060". Then it hit me, it mabye be better to machine/custom order the pistons and keep the original head gasket thickness. What is your thoughts on this? Some one a while ago told me that keeping the stock thickness is better.
Or does it matter that much with the compression ratio?(I'm aware that you can't boost as high with higher compression ratio). If I go with stock thickness I get 8.87:1. FYI I'm going to tune it with E85.

Regards Hampus!

[NolimitZ32]

As long as you are within factory spec for thickness (factory spec allows a thicker HG) you should be fine, this is all ultimately going to fall on your tuner, a good tuner should be able to write you a tune for any engine condition.

[MulleMeck]

As long as you are within factory spec for thickness (factory spec allows a thicker HG) you should be fine, this is all ultimately going to fall on your tuner, a good tuner should be able to write you a tune for any engine condition.

Okay I understand, I should be fine I guess. But where do you find the factory specs? I looked in the service manual but couldn't find anything :O

[NolimitZ32]

The specs are in the service manual, I don't remember what section (possibly engine mechanical or the dims and specs section).

[MulleMeck]

The specs are in the service manual, I don't remember what section (possibly engine mechanical or the dims and specs section).

Gonna take a look again then :P

[NolimitZ32]

I tried looking around and I can't find it either so I may be wrong about it being in there, if you want a straight forward answer and some good advice talk to an engine builder or your machine shop about this, also make sure that whomever you get your info from knows these engines. Yes the physics are the same for all engines but the operating tolerances may not be so best to talk to someone who is familiar with the VG30.

[MulleMeck]

Same here couldn't find anything this time either. Will talk to an engine builder about it.