how much psi can this head gasket take

[milz]

My motor is almost put together
This block i built has: scat rods, wiseco pistons, arp main bolts, arp head bolts, SS valves oversized, 1000 cc injectors, and i have aem..
HOW MUCH BOOST CAN U RUN ON A Mitsubishi Metal Multi Layer Head Gasket
http://www.diamondstarmotorsport.com/engineparts_files/metalhg.jpg
if u need a picture to look at!!
I blew my last engine due to the headgasket being melted due to over boost and not doing proper tuning
Now that i have the aem i was talking with the dyno guy and can tune it as wild as i want it.
can this set up take 25 psi or maybe 30 psi?? what would be a safe but yet high boost to run on this head gasket!!

Thank you
Jon

I will post my dyno hp when everything is done

 

[blackGSX2g]

There isn't a set boost limit a headgasket fail at. It is all in the tune. I've seen people run 28psi on a stock head gasket with no problems at all. A metal headgasket provides more insurance against it blowing out. I've blown out a crappy composite one at 13psi because of a lack of fuel. The metal one resists knock far better than composite.

Make sure you prep both surfaces for a metal gasket and use copper spray.

 

[milz]

Make sure you prep both surfaces for a metal gasket and use copper spray.

why copper spray? does that help the head gasket seal? i have never used copper spray ever on any of my head gaskets

 

[blackGSX2g]

Copper spray just aids adhesion. It is not necessary, but I wouldn't use a metal headgasket without it.

I only know of one person that didn't spray it and it sealed just fine, but at $4 a can I didn't want to risk it.

 

[milz]

OK im going to go get some copper spray!
Anyone has any ideas on HOW much boost i should run?? i have a evo 3 turbo and i do know i have enough fuel to out flow the turbo!!

 

[project_tsi]

Copper spray just aids adhesion. It is not necessary, but I wouldn't use a metal headgasket without it.

I only know of one person that didn't spray it and it sealed just fine, but at $4 a can I didn't want to risk it.

Matt, you now know 2! When I installed my Cometic and ARP's I didn't use copper spray. I thought about it, but was in a hurry and did w/out. I got lucky I guess and it seals fine. I have ran combo's of 20, and up to 25 psi on this setup all last year.

But yes, Copper seal is cheap, easy insurance for sealing gaskets.

 

[milz]

so you think 20 -25 psi would be a good psi to run with my set up?

 

[turbo2086]

I would say 25 is good number to go at. I don't know what the limits of the evo III is. I mean where it loses effeciency. But yeah an engine internally can take boost much more over knock. So just get it tuned right, and the guys in the cities seem to know what they are doing.


Oh and if you blow this one, then can I have your .20 over pistons, since you need to go to .40 over??

 

[blackGSX2g]

As long as the gasket sealed correctly and you have a proper tune, you should be fine at 25+psi.

 

[99gst_racer]

I've read many instances where DSMers have started to push coolant around 33 psi on the MLS. To keep it safe I would recommend running less than 30 psi. The E3 16G shouldn't be pushed any harder than that on a daily driver anyway.

The key to sealing a MLS head gasket is to have a mirror finish on both surfaces.

 

[milz]

i have the head on the block can't wait to post the pictures it looks so sexy!! how much boost could the evo 3 put out? i tryed to search for the limits but i came up empty handed!

 

[ISUJakey]

The metal one resists knock far better than composite.

What?

 

[blackGSX2g]

What?

The metal gasket is less prone to blow out under the same knock conditions as a composite gasket.

 

[ISUJakey]

The metal gasket is less prone to blow out under the same knock conditions as a composite gasket.

I've gotcha. I mis-read your post initially and took it as you saying that headgaskets can cause increased knock conditions.

 

[Mark90gst]

I done much research on the whole head gasket topic, and I believe the Mitsu MLS is one of the best out there, I personally seen I this head gasket make 38psi on EMS at 652 AWHP, But the block was oringed. That is the key, the head gasket will take the abuse but once you start to see number in the 500hp mark start to think about oringing the block or head, that is your choice. You said you were running a 16g I think at 25-30 psi. You should be fine. I had one when I had a E3 16g running at those numbers and never had a problem. good luck keep research, my new motor is also on the building table too.
Mark

 

[milz]

thank you for all your input!!! im going to fire it up today im going run 25 psi

 

[1fast97gsx]

Let us know how it runs, and don't run high boost numbers without even a semi proper tune.

 

[milz]

elite autosports in MN will do the tuning!! they have car that is number 6 on the dyno sheet database here at dsmtuners
plus AEM trained

 

[ISUJakey]

elite autosports in MN will do the tuning!! they have car that is number 6 on the dyno sheet database here at dsmtuners
plus AEM trained

Good choice, Shane and Cher are damn good at what they do.

 

[Ultimatedsm]

Usually, your headgasket can take the boost, its your head bolts that stretch far enough where you blow your headgasket. The stock headbolts can take around 23 psi, after that you might lift the head. However, you are using ARP and that is more than enough to handle past 23 psi. You should have no problem pushing 25 psi or even 30 psi, however, your 16g is designed for 20-25 psi maximum. Past that, you are just out of its efficency. I would recommend at least a 50 trim for your setup, that way you can boost 30 psi no problem.

 

[milz]

Arp head bolts, rod bolts, and main bolts!!!!! already installed
I will do a turbo swap this spring what kinda of 50 trim should i be looking for? does any have any ideas on what turbo i should install?