Quick question before I pull the head on my 1G AWD

[Turbo442]

My 1990 AWD Talon has what I think to be a blown head gasket. I just wanted a few other opinions before I pull the head. Here are the symptoms.

1. Coolant system builds lots of pressure within 1 min of startup. (hoses dont want to squeeze)
2. Motor apparently sucks down lots of water (approx 1/2 gallon in 5 min) from coolant system
3. no visable external water leaks.
4. The motor does not use much oil.
5. The valce cover breather hose does not show excess blowby or oil.
6. The motor has never been severly over heated in its lifetime.
7. The car has 160,000 miles total. The water pump was replaces 40,000 miles ago.

I threw in a cheap aftermarket head gasket a year ago and did not have the head planed. I reused the original head bolts and torqued them to OEM specs.

Assuming I pull the head and have it planed, what other steps should I take to for a resonable chance of sucessfully running up to 25 psi of boost?

Aftermarket head gasket of some type?
New head bolts?

20G turbo, 35mm tial, 2G mas, 550's, SAFC, full 2.5" exhaust and TP, 3000 VR4 fuel pump, AFPR, 24X10X3 FMIC, 2.5" IC piping, 8.5:1 pistons, 2G Exhaust manifod and O2 housing, modified 1G BOV, Custom aluminum turbo inlet pipe.

Any opinions would be welcome!

Thanks,
Matt

 

[DSM90AWD]

2. Motor apparently sucks down lots of water (approx 1/2 gallon in 5 min) from coolant

holy crap.. are there folks in terrycloth towels loitering behind you car

I threw in a cheap aftermarket head gasket a year ago and did not have the head planed. I reused the original head bolts and torqued them to OEM specs.

a "cheep" anything always costs you more in the end.

Assuming I pull the head and have it planed, what other steps should I take to for a resonable chance of sucessfully running up to 25 psi of boost?

Have a shop first check to make sure the head isn't warped.. as shaving it will just raise your compression level and affect VE.

A factory Mitsu Headgasket will hold 25psi boost.

 

[Turbo442]

Well I pulled the head tonight. Yes the head gasket is seriously toast. I included two photos to show the damage...

 

[DSM90AWD]

at least a couple of your cyls are nice and "steam cleaned".
BTW. make sure to check your oil for water. Can f--- up things like bearings..etc if too much got in.