Best non-MLS headgasket?

[dlricker]

Well first off I made a mistake pretty much. I just did a full rebuild with just the usual machined cylinder head work. No mirror surface or anything like that......So I ended up putting a Cometic head gasket since thats what I already had. I didn't think twice of course. So on first start up it sounds great no leaks etc. I start to notice what I thought was a lil condensation coming from the exhaust, no big deal ya know. Then noticed coolant very slowly pushing out of the cooling system. So this makes me think my Cometic MLS head gasket is not sealing good enough. So having said that and to prevent machine work being done all over again, what is a good composite head gasket? Anything better than OEM?

 

[1990AWD]

OEM is probably the best. They're the ones that engineered the car so they know best!

 

[jm1080]

If you don't want MLS, I'd go for Mitsu Organic (oem) headgasket. Doing my headgasket job and couldn't resurface block this time, so just resurfaced head and will be running OEM headgasket with ARP headstuds. Good for 30psi from what I read if you use copper spray.

 

[forcefed4]

+1 oem.

 

[donniekak]

I would verify that yours is leaking first. But i've never had a problem with checker auto fel-pro composites. And, i have really pushed cars with them hx40, evo3, gt28, gt35r. An mls will hold better, but on a good tune a stock style composite will hold pretty good. Just make sure whatever composite you get has steel rings around the cylinders of a decent size.

 

[dlricker]

I'm pretty sure it is the head gasket cause it just makes sense for it being a MLS gasket and not having the correct head work done, but as soon as I get the head off I will know more about it to determine the culprit.

I do appreciate all your quick replies by the way.

Also about the copper spray, it seems like alot of people have their own opinion on it. If you want to add some feedback on it please do so.