How much before I need a metal head gasket.

[CBgst]

Also how much boost can I run before I need to replace the hardware with ARP? I want to run atleast 20psi at the track. I would like to try 21 or 22 psi but I don't want to push it. Should I just stick to 19 or 20 until I get some money saved in case I break something.

 

[Rob]

20 psi is pushing it but ok to do from what ihave heard Dont quote me tho =)

 

[doug]

Also see NosLaser's thread in the Extreme Tuner forum on metal head gaskets.

 

[CBgst]

I read the thread but it mkes no reference to how much boost you can run on a stock head gasket.

 

[turbolover2]

Just wait until the stock one blows. Then it's time for a better one. I've heard of cars running 25psi on the stock HG, but I don't know how long that will last. If it was my car, I really would wait until the stock one blows, then you will know for sure how much it can take.

 

[SPEEDY]

25 psi is about the maximum, and that's pushing it. That's where the head will start to lift. I'm currently running about 22 psi on my ported Big28 with Sunoco 110 leaded race gas with no problems at all. I'm guessing cars with higher mileage may differ though, but maybe not if your car is a high mileage car that's in great shape and TUNED properly.

 

[candela]

Hell no... 140k and 22psi and lovin it

 

[TRBOTSI]

I wouldn't waste any sleep worrying about it. When it goes, it goes, no big deal. Of course with everything, every car is different but there are cars out there with stock headgaskets pushing 25 psi with FP Greens and no problems.

 

[Rob]

Gezz thats pushing it to the max .....well makes me feel alittle better i spiked a few times to 20 or 25 trying to set my damm manual boost controller oppps

 

[SPEEDY]

Originally posted by candela
Hell no... 140k and 22psi and lovin it

That's awesome man. Keep it going.

 

[CBgst]

Well i only have 48000 so hopefully I'll be good at 20psi.

 

[SPEEDY]

Originally posted by CBgst
Well i only have 48000 so hopefully I'll be good at 20psi.

Yeah... you should be fine. I have 75000 and I'm running 20 to 22 psi.

 

[Redsand187]

You can safely run low 20's on the OEM gasket. However, I wouldn't make a habbit of it. (like doing it daily) It's better to have a weak gasket that blows when the pressure is too great, then a strong one that doesn't blow, and makes your rod bend.