In need of new headgasket

[shadoof77]

Hello all,
So i've blown my headgasket for the second time now because of a boost creep issue. Anyways, my question is... basically, is there a stronger composite type, (not MLS) head gasket then your basic OEM composite head gasket.
thanks

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

If you're blowing headgaskets, then have you thought about the possibility of incorrect application or possibly a damaged Head/block surface? It's also possible that the torque sequence you used was incorrect when you replaced the HG initially and it allowed the HG to blow with ease. Remember that the sequence is in 30LBS intervals from inside out, outside in, and then inside out in a cris-cross pattern.

As with boost creep, how high were your levels hitting?

Just an additional piece of information : Paul Volk is running over 40+PSI on a composite HG. I might also want to add that his block is ringed, but still, a composite HG is quite durable.

 

[BigBeans]

If you're installing them properly, you're blowing them because of knock resulting from boost creep, not the boost itself.

You need to resolve the creep issues and make sure your tuning (or lack thereof) is addressed before you do more serious engine damage.

The gasket itself will be good for 600+whp if installed properly and tuned safely. You don't need a stronger gasket, you need to fix the problems that are blowing it.

 

[95talongirl]

+1 sounds like you have another problem to address first. Make sure nothing is warped. Get the necessary machine work done if there is warpage or damage.

 

[shadoof77]

Yes, I know I need to fix the problem. The problem creating the boost creep is that with my 16g and the wastegate fully open, and a 3 inch exhaust its just getting no back pressure to keep the turbo from overboosting. So to fix the boost creep.... buy a bigger turbo... or take a chunk out of my exhaust and replace it with a smaller exhaust tubing to help get back pressure. When they put it up on the dyno to try and tune it they said the turbo was easily hitting 30 psi and they didn't want to blow up the turbo and had to keep backing off or it would just kept spinning the turbo to god only knows... and its only a 16g. I know the problem but don't want to cut up my exhaust, and don't have the money for a bigger turbo.

However that wasn't my question but I appriciate your information. I wanted to know if there were different kinds of composite head gasket. Are certain composite head gaskets stronger then others? or are other brands such as Fel-pro better then OEM headgasket. Who makes the best composite head gasket?
thanks again

 

[97gst_spyder]

I have never seen or felt a Mitsu gasket, but the Fel-Pro Perma-Tq is a well put together gasket, IMO. Thats what I used in my 7-bolt. Only at 18psi, but no issues.

 

[shadoof77]

Yea but I believe Fel-Pro Perma-Tq is a MLS head gasket. I'm looking for a composite gasket.

 

[MY1GDSM]

Follow all the Advice above and get a Proper tune...

It's not the head gaskets fault or boost creep it's either tune or install error or head studs not holding the cylinder pressures...

Also would help if you filled out your profile with some info... is this a 6bolt? 7bolt? what gasket were you running before? What type of Head Bolts/Studs are you using?

An OEM compost gasket with ARP Head studs Will be able to hold any goal you have with a 16g... Though I would prefer 6bolt head studs...

 

[BigBeans]

You don't need a bigger turbo or a more restrictive exhaust. Do a little homework before you waste money and break your car.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...boost-creep-modified-wga-peepers-mod-how.html

 

[shadoof77]

Yes ARP head studs. Last time it was a Topline head gasket. 6 Bolt. everyone seems to be sure that the OEM head gasket can hold up to good enough boost so I thats what i'll go with.

 

[gofer]

I run 30psi on my DD and used the Mitsu composite headgasket (copper sprayed) with ARP studs holding it to the block. Paul (99gst_racer) runs 40psi+ on his setup and he also used the Mitsu composite hg on his motor, so its no question they can hold under boost. If you want a MEAN hg go to FFWD's website and get their SCE ICS Titan hg, I firmly believe the head studs would strip or the block would break in half first before this headgasket would blow.

 

[MY1GDSM]

I personally wouldn't run a ICS Copper gaskets it seems like they expand an contract to much an need constant diligence with re-torquing or you'll blow it ... Most the domestics that use them from what I understand are retorquing the H/G after each run!

In or cars at least they are hit or miss if you did run one I would have the block or head O-ringed an use a Regular Titan not the ICS some people have had them work but it seems like the minority.

I'd just go with the OEM I as well run 30psi on the same setup (OEM composite headgasket (copper sprayed) with ARP studs) an have for many years without any problems... Can't say the same about the ISC Titan I ran before that...

 

[ilco187]

I have seen many guys in my area use copper head gaskets and ALL of them have failed, i run 19 psi on a felpro gasket and stock studs and i have been fine for about 6 years.

 

[97gst_spyder]

Fel pro makes two. Composit and mls. The one I got is a composit, $34 from autozone...

 

[k_dog007]

I just installed my 16g yesterday. As soon as I started my car and let it run, the head gasket started leaking. I never got to rev it above 3k before it leaked. Any thoughts?

 

[Couger85]

I for one swear by cometic head gaskets... they are a little spendy but when combined with arp head studs you most certainly will not blow your headgasket again... ofcourse then you need to worry about the rest of the motor falling apart underneath it.

I think you have another underlying problem that needs fixed.

 

[k_dog007]

I for one swear by cometic head gaskets... they are a little spendy but when combined with arp head studs you most certainly will not blow your headgasket again... ofcourse then you need to worry about the rest of the motor falling apart underneath it.

I think you have another underlying problem that needs fixed.

Any idea what that would be? I knew it was leaking some before I installed the turbo, now its a good size flow coming out. I hadn't even got to drive it and its leaking.

 

[MY1GDSM]

As soon as I started my car and let it run, the head gasket started leaking. I never got to rev it above 3k before it leaked. Any thoughts?

Either, Install error or Imperfect head/block surfaces... .

 

[Dylan0123]

Did you guys go back and retorque and check everything after a good warm-up run?

 

[AWD Devious]

Fel pro makes two. Composit and mls. The one I got is a composit, $34 from autozone...

i work at autozone. i don't trust fel pro.

 

[MY1GDSM]

i work at autozone. i don't trust fel pro.

Good for you...

I don't believe any one ask if you trusted them... or for that matter cares... No offense but your not going to find a MLS head gasket when used with Arp L19's that's going to hold better...

The way I see it for the most part...

All other H/g Gaskets > Felpro Composite > OEM Composite > OEM MLS > Felpro MLS