Head gasket recommendation for my build

[Talon1110]

Hi everyone been working on these cars for a little while now about 2 years. I know a decent amount but not everything. I've only ever done OEM felt head gaskets before. Anyhow just bought a 91 GSX block is built and I'm looking to have the car in the 450-550 hp range. I want to know what head gasket I should run, I'm obvisouly not having the block resurfaced and I am willing to have the head resurfaced if needed. I'm debating on running a Nippon MLS pretty much same thing as a Mitsubishi MLS but half the price or the OEM felt. If I run the MLS will the head need to be resurfaced at all the head is already really clean since a MLS was on it before. Also what's the best way to clean the block for a MLS I used a razor blade on my TSI and it cleaned up nice but I was also using the FELT head gasket. Just trying to source some advice from more experienced DSMRS. Thank you

 

[donniekak]

If you aren’t going to surface the block run a felpro composite or oem composite.

That being said, in non decked blocks I usually find them to be at least .002” low in between 2-3. This doesn’t help any gasket seal well.

 

[chrysler kid]

Deck the block and head and run a set of l19 studs. I prefer copper gasket coating on the gasket to help fill any imperfections that may slip past a non coated surface

I also agree fel-pro composite is the way to go. I don't see an advantage to MLS in your situation

 

[rEclipserGST]

I run felpro composite HG & ARP hardware.

Verify block & head are not warped.

 

[Vegas Smith]

You're going to get different answers from every person you talk to.

 

[motomattx]

Stock composite type unless you are machining the block and head to a mirror.

 

[Talon1110]

Thank you everyone for your advice for my head gasket recommendation. From the replys I got I'm going to end up running a OEM composite with arps and see how she holds thank you !

 

[90laserRSfwd]

Don't be afraid to put 95 to 100 lb ft on the ARP's, and make sure you check / re-torque after 50 or so miles. People follow the stock torque spec's for the head studs not realizing how much additional cylinder pressure your putting into the engine.