copper head gaskets

[GSXrestomod]

Well... I've done some searching and haven't found any posts about copper head gaskets that have been made in the past 4 years or so. I figured it was ok to make a new post...

I have an 0-ringed head I plan on bolting onto my freshly rebuilt shorblock. I saw a copper headgasket made by SCE that has seals around the oil and coolant passages. Has anyone had any experience with them?

If I do decide to go with a regular copper gasket what thickness would I want to go with? close to stock? any idea how much they squish? I guess if I have to I'll do some math and figure out exactly the thickness I need, but if anyone has experience Id like their input first. Also, what kind of sealant would I need to use on it?

I've also read of guys using stock mitsu or 4 layer metal head gaskets with O-ringed heads. Just bolt up a stock gasket as if the O-rings weren't there?

BTW... the block has 1g rods, 2g pistons, ARP head studs, main studs, and rod bolts.

 

[motorboat]

I would go with a mitsu multi layer steel headgasket and spray it with copper spray, thats the best of both worlds

 

[motorboat]

PERMATEX 80697 Copper SPRAY-A-GASKET Hi Temp Adhesive Sealant $7.95 BUY ONLINE

 

[playitlouddsm]

I have use the multi layer metal headgasket, with the copper spray and so far so good. Given my head is not o-ringed and the motor hasn't seen more then 22psi, but it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[motorboat]

Ive never had any problems with the copper spray and mls mitsu headgaskets. I havent had any problems with the cometics either but Ive heard bad things...

 

[GSXrestomod]

I thought using an O-ringed head I needed to use a copper gasket because the SS O-ring would'nt embed in the other gaskets properly. If I have to I'll buy one, but Id rather not spend $145 on something that's not going to work.

So you guys have used O-ringed heads or blocks with copper spray and mitsu 4 layers? I had a cometic on there and as soon as the motor warmed up it started leaking oil like there was no gasket at all. Although I did not use any copper spray on it.

Im really trying to get this car on the road before the SC DSM meet in july. Its happening only a few miles from my house so Id really like to be able to at least limp my car there to show off all the work Ive put into it so far.

Id really like to get this issue resolved properly the first time and not have to go back to it. I plan on boosting my 20g to around 28 psi on this motor and if it holds up to all that. Then Im thinking of swapping it a GT35R setup. So Id like to build it stout the first time, but I am on a budget.

 

[4SFED4]

I ran a Cometic on an O-ringed block/receiver grooved head with no problems.

I do not like the Mitsu 4 layer head gaskets. I had nothing but problems with them.

I run SCE Titans now. I ran straight SCE coppers and copper spray for a few years until the neater, less messy Titan came out. I haven't personally tested an ICS Titan(for non o-ringed motors) so I can't give any input on that.

Another thing to remember with any metal/copper head gasket you must retorque the head after the first heat cycle.

 

[GSXrestomod]

Thanks for the heads up on having to retorque my head. Did you spray the SCE titan with copper spray? Or just installed it dry/as is? I think the SCE titan is what I'll end up running. I just hope I can come up with the $$$ before the SC DSM meet.

 

[fergulus]

So after you have put everything back on, you let the engine run for a while, take the valve cover off, and re-torque the head studs, correct?

 

[cbrfrenzie]

Yep, let the engine reach operating temp, and run at that for 5-10 mins. Shut the car off and let it cool completely, overnight most likely. Retorque in the morning