Need advice! About to change headgasket

[ryanx99GS]

Okay, so Im about to replace my headgasket due to the compression being 145 on all 4 cylinders and coolant leakage. As well as upgrading the engine abit. I plan on buying:
- Dejon UICP/LICP
- Dejon Intake
- K&N Filter
- Greddy Type RS Recirculating kit
- SBR Manual Boost Controller
- OEM Mitsubishi Thermostat
- OEM Mitsubishi Thermoswitch
- Mishimoto Silicone radiator hoses
- Mishimoto Radiator Cap

I plan on keeping the stock T-25 since this my daily driver. I do want to push some power/quickness but not a lot as I am more of a nice exterior/interior car person. What is the best headgasket kit? I searched around and saw that the 4 Layer MITSU one is? Where could I buy a kit online to get that. Also, should I get ARP Head studs/replace the water pump? Anyother things that I should replace or change in my list while I have my head off please post. I don't really have the money to take it to a machine shop. My GSX currently has 73,000 miles. Thanks!

 

[blkwidow]

Since you're keeping the stock turbo, I'd go with an OEM HG and ARP hardware. Has your timing belt been changed out yet?

 

[FORMONTOYA]

With what you stated...I would stick with the standard OEM composite gasket (the MLS will require machine work to deck the block/head). With just running a T25 I wouldn't spend the money on ARP studs. However, with the head removed you now will have easy access to the fuel filter and the heater hoses to the firewall. Also it would be a good idea to replace all the water "jumper" hoses that are scattered throughout the engine. It wouldn't be a bad idea to do throttle body shaft seals and gasket replacement as well.

Boost leak test when done.

Was the timing belt and auto tensioner replaced at the required 60K interval?

If not...

Timing belt
Balance belt (if you still run it)
Auto tensioner
Tensioner pulley
Idler pulley
Water pump
Cam seals (2)
Crank seal (front)
Balance shaft seal (if you still run it)
Oil pump shaft seal
Harmonic damper
All other belts

Remember that if the timing belt breaks, the top end of the motor is screwed!

 

[ryanx99GS]

Slowboy Racing, Inc. :: DSM :: OEM Parts :: Gaskets :: OEM Complete Gasket Kit

Will that work for a gasket set?!?!

Also, the timing belt was replaced at 58k, thats what it said on the carfax when I bought the car. Also, would it be a good idea to pick up the balance shaft elimination kit from SBR also?

 

[blkwidow]

I would just replace the belt.

 

[9 T GSX]

Slowboy Racing, Inc. :: DSM :: OEM Parts :: Gaskets :: OEM Complete Gasket Kit

Will that work for a gasket set?!?!

Also, the timing belt was replaced at 58k, thats what it said on the carfax when I bought the car. Also, would it be a good idea to pick up the balance shaft elimination kit from SBR also?

That would work for a gasket set but it wont have the metal gasket. For the BS elimination thats a whole different animal. and is extremely hard to do with the engine in the car,especially if you dont have the tool for the bearings.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I wouldn't buy a COMPLETE gasket set as you will be throwing away half the gaskets (the ones for the bottom end). Just find a HEAD gasket set. It will have ALL the gaskets required to remove the head.

I'm somewhat anal about the timing belt on MY car, but hey, it's your car and if you can sleep at night...great (again, remember that if the TB goes, it will cost a whole lot more to replace a FUBAR-ed top end). It is supposedly OK to replace the water pump every other TB job (120K) but I replace mine every time (but that's just me).

 

[ryanx99GS]

O I agree FORMONTOYA, I am anal about my car, I always want it to run "perfect" though with a DSM thats hard hahah. Could you link me to a headgasket set if possible? Okay so here is what Im going to do:
- Everything in FORMONTOYA list
- Everything from my list
+ ARP Head studs (overprotection, but still)
+ RRE Crank Case Breather / Catch Can

And I should be good, correct? Any special tools or anything that I should need? Anything I should look out for? My 2 friends that are helping me are mechanics, one has a 2000 Civic SI turbo and one has a 300zx TT all of which they have done there own work and one works at a local toyota dealer so I should be in good hands.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I buy all my Mitsubishi parts from the local dealer as I get a decent discount from them so at this point all I can suggest is to search/call around (I looked at a couple of on-line places I deal with and all had only COMPLETE sets, not a HEAD gasket set).

I did however get a head gasket set from the local dealer when I had to remove the head for some valve stem seal replacement.....oh yea, check the exhaust ports, if they're covered in oil, you will also need valve stem seals.

Not really any special tools that are needed except for some way to get the crank sprocket off if you do decide to do the front crank seal (impacts are great for this task). Just make sure that you follow the VFAQ on the subject (TB replacement). It seems rather daunting at first, but it's not too bad.