A common problem of the '87 LT500 is the head gasket failure.
The '87 only used 6 head studs (vs. 7 on the 88+ models)

Anyone have suggestions on the 'best' way to fix the problem on the '87??

I understand Trinity welds and machines grooves for O-rings in the stock head,
Others recommend upgrading to the 10mm studs from the 88+ machines, and then there are the aftermarket LRD/ProDesign heads that use O-rings..

What works and what doesn't????

Copper Rings? Viton/Rubber rings? Copper head gasket??

I'm building a monster motor, and don't want the hassle of the gasket game.
My stocker has been trouble free, but I understand that when you boost compression and hot rod this motor... the gaskets can't haul the mail.

Any ideas?

 

Well, if your building a "monster motor", seems so you'd use a Cool Head or Power Head instead of the stocker anyhow, so there's your cure right there........

 

Not necessarily.. The stock head can be milled a mile to really bring up the compression, the chamber can be re-shaped to just about anything you want...

The sky is the limit when you have a good machine shop at your fingertips.

I'm assuming you're running a cool head fasternu?

 

The fix to your problem is to install the larger 88 and up studs and always use a oem head gasket....






Mick
88 LT 500 +
Wisco pro lite
40mm bore PWK
Paul Turner High Rev & Fat Boy
Nac's Flat Track, Ice Race Port & Head work
Crank Trued Welded & Turbo Radi.