Cam chain timing and cylinder head gasket question

[wacko]

Hello,

I have dropped my engine and am preparing to replace the lower head studs after find 2 broken and one missing nut (probably broken and removed by previous owner)

The car ran great prior to dropping the engine and I am on low (closer to No) budget so I will be replacing as little as possible.

The first question is regarding cam chain timing. I have had a few people tell me that it sounds like my car has had cam work done but I do not know any of the details. I have read that after having the cams upgraded that the timing may need to be advanced to improve low end power. Is it possible to measure what the current timing is set at prior or during disassembly so I can set it correctly or as it was on re-assembly?

2nd question. If the top end of my engine has had work done in the past but I do not do any machine work to the heads or cam case now. How do I know if I can use stock cylinder head gaskets? Can I measure the current head gaskets or will they be compressed?

Thanks in advance

[Flat6pac]

Broken studs, you must have an SC
Head gaskets are one size only, fits in a groove in top of cylinder
If you don't know what cams you have you can read them by using a dial gauge and a Z bar
Read both, don't count on the one being right for both
Bruce

[wacko]

I have read that different thickness of head gaskets are used depending on whether the head has been machined? Have I misunderstood this?

[Flat6pac]

Base gaskets are stacked to make up the difference in metal removed, if needed.
Bruce

[wacko]

Ok, so I can simply put back the equal amount of new head gaskets that I remove?

[Lapkritis]

Base gaskets are available in different thicknesses.

Yes, you can measure timing before disassembly. Z block and indicator gauge such as used when setting timing during assembly may be used to take the reading before disassembly. Probably wise if cams are suspected as aftermarket.

[rockreid]

I think the OP should be made clear that base gaskets and head gaskets are NOT the same thing.

Head gaskets are the metal rings that sit on top of the cylinders and mate to the heads. These are typically steel.

Base gaskets sit below the cylinders and mate with the case. These are typically copper.

You adjust the deck height by adding/removing these copper base gaskets. Head gaskets are only meant to seal the cylinder with the head and do not offer any adjustment for deck height.

Just to make clear.

[wacko]

Thank you. I appreciate the replies.