need advice: stacking head gaskets, lower comp too?

[peanotation]

Hello all....

I recently blew the head gasket on my 4g64 2.4L sohc. I'm running a custom turbo setup on the stock motor right now, and it's not gonna last too much longer, but I have a stroker motor in the works to replace the poor stocker.

bottom line, this is my only car and i need it running again asap. i'm getting the head milled, which will raise compression a tad, but i want to be able to keep boosting safely. i'd like to stack headgaskets to lower the compression back down, i searched, but no avail.

if i can't safely stack headgaskets, can i use a shim gasket on the head? do i run the shim gasket all by itself or with the head gasket too?

running a multi-layer gasket isn't an option since i can't find one for my motor.....

already ordered a set of arp head studs....just holding back on what to do about this gasket situation. thanks in advance for the help

 

[luvmygst]

You can not stack head gaskets. They will not seal. I'm not sure about a "shim" gasket. They make thicke head gaskets for some motors, im not sure about a 4g64. I would reccommend just turning the boost down untill you get the new motor. Good luck.

 

[gsxitement]

double stacked!?

 

[BrokenTsi]

resurfacing the head will not cause that much of a raise in compression to start causing problems. You can purchase metal HG shims. They are used when a head is resurfaced, or is technically resurfaced more than spec allows, creating for too close of clearance as far as piston/valve clearance is concerned. Quit beating on the motor untill the new one is built is your best option, and just throw in a stock headgasket again with a shim if necessary. The machine shop can give you the amount they cut off. You wont be creating anymore stress on the motor than when it was stock if you dont boost on it. And if you need it reliable untill a new motor is built. Thats what you do.

you run the shim with a gasket btw. And id suggest copper spray on the shim if you use one.

 

[Defiant]

As said, a levelling cut won't affect compression enough to concern yourself with.
Always use copper spray on head (and, most other) gaskets.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I've heard of honda guys using double stacked MLS gaskets.. but I have an inclination that it's the ghetto way of lowering compression.

remember, do it right, do it once.

 

[overdoseheroin]

id use the stock gasket with copper spray and the arp's. i know arp's and stock hg on a 4g63 is good for about as much power as the stock bottom end can hold. id say ud be ok with stock hg and arp's.

 

[peanotation]

ok, i think i'm gonna play it safe and just use 1 hg and drive like a grandma till things change again. i'll look into the shims but unless i hear nothing but incredible amazing things i don't think i'll be using them.....thanks again

 

[Suparata]

Cometic makes gaskets in various bore sizes and thickness, you just have to know what size it is you need.