jyeager

I'm curious at what point it would be necessary (or highly advisable) to O-ring a block when doing a boosted motor.
The plans call for a 402 with AFR 225 heads with studs and a good head gasket. Perhaps about 15lbs of boost.

Thanks.

BAD FNZ

I'm interested in this too...

98turbls1

iTrader: (17)

From what I know of it O-ringing is supposed to seal the heads better and allow it to keep the boost in extreme application...Most guys on here are running MLS head gaskets which are doing the job rather well...MLS stands for Multiple Layer Steel...Cometic and Gm are both popular brands...I have seen people run way over 15psi with these gaskets and no problems...Just make sure that you have a thick deck and studs which you already are doing...In your application I wouldn't think it to be necessary...

InconFormula

iTrader: (7)

O-ring your heads and run the gm mls and you'll have no problems as long as your tune is right and you dont pull a mighty mouse , We've seen over 25psi on a similar set up with no problems.

BLk01SS

iTrader: (7)

Cometic just introduced a gasket that has built in O-rings. Its totally new system, check out HOT ROD, they just had it in there.

Typhoon#1600

iTrader: (5)

SCE gaskets has made me a set of their trick TITAN ICS gaskets....they were the originators of that design. It incorporates an O-ring that does not require you to machine the block or head. Ken Dutweiller tested a set for them, and threw something like 42PSI on a 289 small block for 50 dyno pulls. They are insane...

98turbls1

iTrader: (17)

Do you think that those gaskets would be necessary on an engine\turbo setup that is going to be pushing 15psi max??? I'm sure that they have a pretty price tag too...I like reassurance myself though so if he feels that they are necessary then those are definitely an option..

BLk01SS

iTrader: (7)

I look at it this way, its money well spent. A set of those with your setup should give you some security.

98turbls1

iTrader: (17)

Oh I agree...A Dry sump oiling system is money well spent too...it gives you more horsepower and insurance of constant oil flow around corners and under extreme g's but if you don't need it....I'm just saying that guys are doing pretty well without them and if they are that much then I would only put them on if I had a problem with blowing gaskets...You're not going to really blow a MLS gasket unless you're pushing a crazy amount of boost or have extreme detonation or some kind of factor like that...

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

So Steve, help me out here... You run the MLS gaskets and an o-ring too? can you describe it?

BLk01SS

iTrader: (7)

It was in HOT ROD John, Cometic just introduced it. I think you have to custom order them. I'll see if I can find a link to the write up and post it.

BLk01SS

iTrader: (7)

ok I scanned the page out of HOT ROD:

allthrotle

iTrader: (2)

If you use the cometic or sce titan gaskets theres really no need to o ring the head and or block, thats the beauty of those gaskets.

DeltaT

iTrader: (5)

The Felpro head gaskets with the pre-flattened steel fire ring is also a solid choice.

The thing with all the gaskets mentioned is to ensure your motor does not detonate, use good quality head studs, assembly lube and a good torque wrench. Back off the stud torque and re-tighten after a few days of driving, as per the instructions. Your 15lbs should be fine without any o-ring.

Jim

Wet 1

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, and they are over $500! They use a gas filled o-ring. They sound trick, but way to pricey for me.


The Titan ICS gaskets are around $175-$200. They look very interesting. I believe it's a copper gasket with a firewire ring inside the copper (not exposed). I'd like to hear from some LSx users who have tried these... I might even give them a try if I can't find someone who's used them assuming they make them in a 4.125" bore. My only real concern is seeping and very long term durability.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I'd like to hear what Mike Brown is doing, I don't think he is running copper head gaskets.

allthrotle

iTrader: (2)

Hey wet 1 yes they do make the titans in a 4.125 bore. Yes these gaskets are pricey but, you got to pay to play, and speed costs money. Im sure you guys have heard this before.

Wet 1

iTrader: (4)

I'd be more worried about what Ernie is using... my guess is he'll follow the heard and use GM MLS. If so, not a bad choice for the $.

Wet 1

iTrader: (4)

I just might give the ICS gaskets a try if this is the case. I don't think $200 is that bad if they perform as advertised and as tested by KD.

80superbu

iTrader: (8)

Gonna bump this one back up