Thick base and head gaskets / spacers are required for raised cylinders and crankshafts that have a longer stroke. When using a long stroke crankshaft, the half length of the additional stroke has to be compensated for by a head and/or base gasket. With compensation by a base gasket, the outlet times are lengthened and the transfer times are also clearly longer. If the outlet is also lifted somewhat by milling, it is possible to optimise the engine for higher revs. Compensation with a head gasket lengthens the outlet and transfer times only slightly, with the transfer timing changing more than the outlet timing (= less blow down). This represents an optimisation for more torque at middling revs.

The raising of the POLINI 130cc in combination with a 54mm crankshaft is also popular, and rewards with power, durability and winning positions. With a longer con-rod, the stroke does not change, but the cylinder has to be raised accordingly by the difference of the con-rod lengths. The base gaskets are available in 0.5mm - 10.0mm, the head gaskets are available from 0.5mm - 2.0mm. They are mostly made from aluminium.