Rebuilding head checklist

[Bluefire16]

Hey guys, cars got 87k on it. Comp came back 150-145-130-130, its burning a little coolant as well. So im pulling the head, what all parts do you think should be replaced?

Here is the list from the vfaq... but is it all necessary? The car doesn't have that many miles for being a 99.


MD182295 Balance Shaft Belt

MD326059 Timing Belt

MD129355 Timing Belt Idler Pulley*

MD156604 Timing Belt Tensioner Pulley

MD115976 Balance Belt Tensioner

MD164533 Timing Belt Tensioner

MD972052 Water Pump

MD178430 Power Steering Belt (660)

MD186126 Alternator/Water Pump Belt

MD376608 Crank Pulley


All new belts of course, but was thinking the pulleys would be ok, new headgasket (duh), apr headstuds, and new waterpump. What you think?

 

[Mschooley]

Well first off you did well by checking the compression. What i would do is take your head to a machine shop and get it resurfaced and have them check and see if your valves are good. they should be considering u have "decent" compression. Next i would get a new head gasket do not reuse that one it could cuase you problems in the future. I would consider doing a balance shaft delete as well, its def worth it.

 

[Bluefire16]

Budget is tight, but i am NOT going to re use my head gasket.. why would i do that when it is the source of my problem?

Anyways, so do i need to get all new pulleys though?

 

[Bluefire16]

I would like to run about 20-25psi on my Super 20g. What type head gasket should i use? I seem to have read so much bad about MLS i dont really want to go with it....

 

[stukyl28]

MLS headgaskets are the best you can buy IMO, you just have to make sure both block surface and the head MUST be completely flat and they will hold as much boost as you can throw at them... Or ffwd has a copper headgasket and it has a o ring Around the combustion chamber to really help seal things up. But once again you will wanna get both surfaces machined flat.!

 

[Bluefire16]

If i dont go with the MLS what other suggestions do you have?

 

[stukyl28]

http://www.ffwdconnection.com/headgaskets.shtml

Those copper ones always tickled my fancy, but idk why you don't like MLS there proven countless times, and you can use the first one from that page. It's a genuine Mitsubishi part can't go wrong with that.

 

[nickk90]

if you dont have the block out the car you cant get it decked to have that perfect machined finish
not sure how much that will matter

you can always use a Mitsu composite gasket and then you wont have to worry about have a perfect mating surface and will still hold a decent amount of boost with head studs

 

[Detective Coating]

Run an OEM composite gasket with copper spray. No problems at all running these.

As for what you listed I would replace these:

MD326059 Timing Belt

MD129355 Timing Belt Idler Pulley*

MD156604 Timing Belt Tensioner Pulley

MD164533 Timing Belt Tensioner

MD972052 Water Pump

I would get the balance shaft elimination kit and only replace the power steering and ac belt if they are torn since they are easily accessed.

 

[Devilman]

DO NOT RUN A COMPOSITE HEADGASKET!!!

OEM MLS is the head gasket you want to run period.

u dont need a new pulley unless the rubber is cracking apart

everything else on your list is a good idea to change

also taking your head to get checked out by a machine shop is a good idea

why have to do the job twice if your head is also bad

 

[dalesmitsu]

Cometic HG is good I've seen specials for them from our supporting vendors. Props by checking the vfaq before asking. Balance shaft elimination is an excellent first mod. Save up those beer/pops cans, since MI takes returns.

 

[Clinical]

Cometic MLS Headgasket is great.

However you can run a SCE Titan MLS headgasket, as long as you actually follow the instructions, its the benefits of an MLS without the need for all the machine work.

Definitely do a balance shaft delete, makes timing belts way easier to do, and also much less chance of having a timing belt failure if your balance shaft belt would break.

I'd also suggest while you have the head off if you have the money, picking up some cams/springs/retainers.

 

[EagleTSIawd]

SCE Titan headgasket, I ran it with head surfaced only and held great. Its another great option if your block is not crazy warped and you are not going to resurface it.