98 Tsi headgasket blew is there a better replacement than oem?

[jjaycxj]

98 talon 131k on the clock bone stock blew my hg on the highway and looking to replace is their a aftermarket one that's better than oem? I'm planning on doing an oem hg with arp head studs unless there's a stronger one than oem I never wanna have to deal with a hg blowing again all opinions are welcome.
Thanks,
Jjaycxj

 

[WES_393]

Well yes, there are stronger head gaskets than the OEM gasket. But the OEM composite gasket and ARP studs have been proven to hold 400hp+, some have gotten over 500hp without O-ringing the head. So it's safe to say they are very strong. I would suggest cleaning up the head and deck, getting the head resurfaced if you can (if not check for warps with straight edge), then just use a new Mitsu or Felpro gasket with ARP studs.

And since the HG blew out randomly, I would really advise getting the head machined by a shop to make sure it's not warped.

 

[Ghost_92TSi]

Cometic head gaskets are always popular.

 

[kraig milton]

I have always had good luck with Felpro head gaskets from the local auto parts store and they usually stock them.

 

[Stew Pidaso]

I've heard a lot of good things about Buschur's head gasket. Im running it right now and it was on before I rebuilt my head. I would highly recommend that.

 

[BogusSVO]

JJ... what is your buget and goals?

Unless to have the head and block milled, stay away from MLS HG and run a composite like a OE or felpro.

A blown HG is the result of a problem, not the cause of one.

Have you found out what caused your HG to fail?

 

[jjaycxj]

JJ... what is your buget and goals?

Unless to have the head and block milled, stay away from MLS HG and run a composite like a OE or felpro.

A blown HG is the result of a problem, not the cause of one.

Have you found out what caused your HG to fail?

No I haven't figured it out oil looks good not milky at all there was just oil in the coolant Overflow. I saw the white smoke out the tailpipe yesterday and then driving on the highway she overheated. Checked the coolant it looked like oil and was very low

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

98 talon 131k on the clock bone stock blew my hg on the highway and looking to replace is their a aftermarket one that's better than oem? I'm planning on doing an oem hg with arp head studs unless there's a stronger one than oem I never wanna have to deal with a hg blowing again all opinions are welcome.
Thanks,
Jjaycxj

Well there are quite a few different head gaskets you can get, but they are more complicated to install and require more work and more meticulous detail on prepping the surface compared to OEM, you can search and find many results on different head gaskets.

Stock is the easiest to install, and very reliable when done correctly.

The most important thing is to install it right, then it won't go out again on you.

1. Make sure and clean all remaining gasket material from the old gasket off the block. I found oven cleaner helps make it come off real easy (but plug all the little holes on top the block with something so the crap don't get down in there).

2. Make sure the head is level, have the machinist check the surface.

3. Clean all the head bolt hole threads out properly or your torque readings will be inaccurate and the head will come up.

4. Finally make sure and torque in proper sequence and to proper torque amount.

 

[Sansone]

I blew my MLS 3 ply gasket and went with a Felpro gasket. The Felpro gasket is really cheap and seems to work great. Grabbed one in stock from Advanced Auto Parts. Definitely be sure to torque those studs in sequence. I also used the 30-60-95lbs steps. Also Don't forget to re torque those studs after some initial driving.

 

[crazyquik22023]

Cometic head gaskets are crap. I personally have used one and it blew within 7k miles. I've heard a lot of complaints and I would stay away from cometic and go with the Mitsubishi MLS head gasket.

I've heard a lot of good things about Buschur's head gasket. Im running it right now and it was on before I rebuilt my head. I would highly recommend that.

Buschur uses, and recommends the Mitsubishi MLS head gasket. He used this when he built my stage 3 engine and I run 32 psi of boost on pump gas and no problems what so ever yet. And I would assume he uses it on his own evo's so obviously they are easily good head gaskets for 35+ psi boost numbers and 600+ horsepower numbers.