Head Gasket shims?

[sprat]

I'm replacing the head gasket to my 95 cav, I had the head shaved .006 and went to the auto store for a complete upper gasket set. They informed me that there is a complete head shim made of copper thats .006 thick that I should use with the head gasket to bring the original space between the head and block to fit correctly.--anyone heard of this and/or used it with the head gasket too?--thanks in response to this question!!!

[97cavalier]

Originally Posted by sprat

I'm replacing the head gasket to my 95 cav, I had the head shaved .006 and went to the auto store for a complete upper gasket set. They informed me that there is a complete head shim made of copper thats .006 thick that I should use with the head gasket to bring the original space between the head and block to fit correctly.--anyone heard of this and/or used it with the head gasket too?--thanks in response to this question!!!

Have not used it or done it but it only makes since, Becuse it would just leak again if you don't use it. Soit make up for the space.

[cdru]

Originally Posted by 97cavalier

Have not used it or done it but it only makes since, Becuse it would just leak again if you don't use it. Soit make up for the space.

Why would it necessarily leak again? The purpose of the shim is to bring it back to the official factory spec. When you shave off a few thousandths of an inch, you will increase the overalll compression ratio slightly because you are reducing the overall volume of the cylinder. This can be a good thing as higher compression can lead to more power. However there is a limit as to how much you can squeeze out of the engine and with higher compression comes with more stress and higher amounts of heat.

I can't say if you do or don't need the shim. If no one here chimes in, I'd check with a local machine shop that does engine work and get an opinion from them. I wouldn't necessarily go by what the guy behind the parts counter says.