oring or mls?

[Funfettie]

Hay guys, so I threw my head gasket and I'm wondering I'd now is a good time to upgrade to an oringed block w/stainless rings and an organic/composit gasket or if I should just deck the block/head and run another mls. Setup is a 9.5/1 comp 2.3L stroker, 34psi at 71lbs a min. 7500 rpm limit, 650awhp with map H11 studs. I have never had any luck with mls gaskets sealing with the past few engines and I'm tired of leaking fluids all over the block. Thanks!

 

[RvlutionMtrsprt]

I'd look into a different machinist if the work they're doing isn't allowing a MLS to seal. Get good surfaces that are straight and have an Ra in the 20's or better and a Felpro MLS. That's what I would do. Good luck.

 

[Funfettie]

Anyone think an OEM mls would hold the power? or is prematorque required at this power level?

 

[bryanwheat]

Any mls will hold the power, you just need the right finish on both surfaces for it to seal.

 

[ForcePower]

I'd look into a different machinist if the work they're doing isn't allowing a MLS to seal. Get good surfaces that are straight and have an Ra in the 20's or better and a Felpro MLS. That's what I would do. Good luck.

In general your right, but don't be so quick to blame the machinist. The installation of a MLS headgasket and proper torque down is critical. As many fail due to poor installation as due to poor machining.

OP.. I don't think o-ringing is necessary on your set-up. Below is what I have found to be the best headgaskets in order of preference.

HKS stopper (the only one to take a full season at 48 psi)
Felpro Permatorque (Black one)
Mitsu MLS

There are others, but I personally wouldn't touch them on a high boost set-up.

 

[Funfettie]

if the deck of the block is in spec, is there a way i can avoid pulling it to decking it? would copper spray help in this case? I plan to pass on the O-ring setup, and go MLS so i just need to figure out how to make this seal right this time. Any more tips/help would be very greatly appreciated!

EDIT:
I just checked the head and the deck is true, no warp at all. Im starting to think that maybe the seal just slowly let go. That and the engine was built with a commetic MLS, so it wasnt a very good gasket from the get go. OEM MLS and copper spray should do the trick i think!

 

[99gst_racer]

It's not just about having a flat/true surface. With an MLS, you also need to account for a particular surface roughness. You're going to want a surface roughness of 30 RA or finer/smoother.


O-ringing is cheap. Composite gaskets are cheap. And it works.

 

[RvlutionMtrsprt]

ForcePower, that's a good point to make. I was pretty much going on the assumption that there were no issues with the installation or the tune causing the failure.