need help selecting head gasket

[rgaulding]

Hi guys im new to the DSM world though im not 100% new to tuning in general.
I recently bought a 1g gsx and popped the head gasket. The car has been heavily modified recently and i got it cheap because the guys house burned down.
with that being said the waste gate shot sh*t on me and i over boosted the engine popping the head gasket.

I know very little about the 4G63T engine and need your guys help to find the "perfect" replacement head gasket for this car to run approximately 20 psi daily driven but without breaking the bank.

 

[LiquidX]

OEM composite gasket. Will run you at most $60. I'm sure a Felpro gasket will work just as well. I would also invest in the standard ARP head studs while the head is off as well.

 

[rgaulding]

how beefy is that factory gasket though? i know the one i popped was supposedly one of the best you could get a few years ago. i also have arp head studs. the engine is about as built as it can be without bore and stroke.

 

[daplatano91]

Ive always replaced my HG with Cometic metal gaskets.

 

[TurboJimbo]

I'd go with the factory metal head gasket, and ARP head studs

 

[rgaulding]

cosmetic gaskets are the only ones ive heard of for the 4G63T but i know there are more out there so i wanted to make sure i didnt just buy something because its all i know.

 

[LiquidX]

how beefy is that factory gasket though? i know the one i popped was supposedly one of the best you could get a few years ago. i also have arp head studs. the engine is about as built as it can be without bore and stroke.

The composite gasket has been able to take 30psi without issues. I would recommend this one to you if the head and block aren't properly cut. Also it's the most affordable and will work with your goals.

Ive always replaced my HG with Cometic metal gaskets.

The only time you want to use a MLS gasket is if the head and block are properly milled to a mirror smooth surface. If not then you run the risk of allowing combustion gasses to blow past the gasket. OEM MLS gasket is much better than the Cometic as well. Permatorque gasket would be the best available however.

 

[rgaulding]

The only time you want to use a MLS gasket is if the head and block are properly milled to a mirror smooth surface. If not then you run the risk of allowing combustion gasses to blow past the gasket.[/QUOTE]

the professional performance tuning mechanic who built the thing originally is a good friend of mine ill have to call and see what milling was done. i know on my civic we decked and plained it so its likely the same was done on this 4g63t. so if it is milled right go with metalic?

 

[LiquidX]

It needs to be a mirror like surface. You should not be able to catch anything by dragging your finger nails over it.

What is your overall goal. If you are not going to be going up to 30psi then you do not exactly need a metal gasket as the composite will suffice.

 

[rgaulding]

well once i get the thing running right (i think the tune is bad guy before me wasnt too tech savvy) im looking to track the car primarily autocross and some drag. id say 400 whp is my power goal overall.

 

[LiquidX]

Well as I mentioned, unless you are going to be around 30psi then the composite will be fine for you.

 

[rgaulding]

ok thanks a lot guys

 

[Rocketman1000R]

My Eclipse GST has a Cometic head gasket with no issues and I did not deck the block but its never been over heated. My Talon has an HKS head gasket but its hella built. What are the thicknesses of the OEM HG, the stock OEM and the Cometic, anyone know? My HKS is 1.6mm thick.

 

[donniekak]

how beefy is that factory gasket though? i know the one i popped was supposedly one of the best you could get a few years ago. i also have arp head studs. the engine is about as built as it can be without bore and stroke.

I, and many others have ran 30+ psi on stock composite gaskets. The strongest gasket in the world can be blown at 12psi, and a crap tune. Boosting more than you have supporting mods, and octane to support, will cause damage easily. Weather that be 20, or 30, or whatever airflow your injectors max out at and you run lean, or you run to much boost, and timing for the octane fuel you have.