Athena 434 gaskets...determine compression?

[z400roosteR]

Is this true that there are two different types of base gaskets in the kit and the difference decides the compression ratio which in turn decides the power output it will have?

[bellzbub]

yes the stock base gasket is a 3 layer. the drz base gasket is a 1 layer the difference in the thickness makes the comp ratio different. the drz base makes as close to what is advertised i.e. a 12 to 1 piston would be 12 to 1 with the drz gasket. i don't know the exact ratio conversion but it will be lower with the stock gasket.

[drnez]

The athena kit comes with both a triple layer (LTZ) base gasket, and a single layer (DRZ) base gasket. as bellzbub said, in order to get the advertised compression ratio on a piston, you must use the DRZ base gasket. Using the LTZ base gasket will drop the compression down about .9 or so. So a piston that is advertised as 12.2:1, would only be 11.3:1 with the LTZ base gasket. You'll want to run the DRZ gasket with the athena kit.