Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

Out of the stock graphite or (MLS) multi layer steel head gaskets, which one is best to run for boost (like 9psi)?

The heads are LS6 going on a 5.3L truck engine if that makes any difference in the gasket selection...does it?

Also, I was recommended graphite by a Texas S&P mechanic, but multi layer steel by Patriot Performance.

I need some advice and a part number of the gasket you recommend too.
Thanks for your help
Ryan

Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

No one knows which is better?

30thta436

iTrader: (10)

I use cometic head gaskets. Which are multilayer. The cometic are reusable also. I would also use head studs. That should take care of it.

Jammer

iTrader: (1)

Rob did not use multi-layer if that means anything

Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

Um...this sucks confliction happened again.
So Rob just used graphite? Do they hold air in better somehow?

What about the LS6 head onto a truck engine deal...should I get an LS6 head gasket or a 5.3L truck head gasket -are they even different because of the bore difference?

Jammer

iTrader: (1)

others can correct me if I am wrong, but I beleive Rob posted he was using stock gaskets. Corky bell also warns not to use multi layer steel on bigger boost engines. Not sure about the 6.0 /5.3 thing as i have not reseached it, but the bore is different, so I assume the gasket is.

smokinHawk

iTrader: (48)

Rob, correct me if im wrong but
the use of his stock head gaskets worked because his tune was dead on.

MLS head gaskets are made for high boost/high horsepower engines.
I had one problem with my cometic gaskets once with them weeping as i have a 3.905" bore and the 6.0 heads (chambers for a 4.0" bore) since the gaskets over lapped the combustion chambers it didnt seal correctly.
I fixed this by going with a 4.0" bore gasket.

since you have the ls6 heads (heads with a chamber of a 3.90" bore) and a 3.78" bore (right), go with a 3.90" gasket so it will not hang out in the chambers.
the mls will work well and are reusable.

and were in corkey bells max boost did it say not to use mls gaskets, i havent come across that, unless i missed it.

Assassin

iTrader: (3)

30thta436, where can I get a set of those head gaskets and what is the part # ect., I use them on reg sbc engine's and love them...

427

iTrader: (3)

I vote stock 6.0 mls gasket or cometic 4.0 bore gasket.
Kurt

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Harlan was using 6.0 MLS with his combo (348 LS1 + 6.0 heads) so I am too.

Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

Okay, I think I am going with multi-layer steel gaskets.
You should go with the bore size of the head correct? So I would need a 5.7L (99mm bore) size head gasket if they are going on a 5.3L (93mm) size cylinder bore.

Why are there two different pt#s for 5.7L heads...i.e.
12498543 - 1997-2001 LS1 Head Gasket
12498544 - 2002-2003 LS1/LS6 Head Gasket

Which one should I get if my iron truck block was made in 1999?
I thought I heard something about water passages being different between those LS1 years, is that why there are varying pt#s to those head gaskets?

Shinobi'sZ

2002 is the newer style MLS Gasket with a crushed thickness of .054. Its the ones I have run with both a ATI 13lbs of boost setup and a TTi 14lbs of boost setup. I also am using an ARP Head Stud kit.

Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

So these will work fine on a '99 iron block? The water passages between a 1997-2001 are the same as on a 2002-2003 LS1 correct?

427

iTrader: (3)

Ryan, some early cylinder heads had 2 small cast in notches along the spark plug side on the gasket surface. If your heads have these you cannot use the newer mls gaskets or the engine will leak water externally along the block edge. If you have these notches you will need the graphite gasket to seal the water system.
Kurt

TwnTrboCE

iTrader: (43)

I'm using Felpro gaskets and stock head bolts. Worked just fine. On my new motor they used Cometics and stud kit. If those gaskets fail I'm going back to Felpro. Probably didn't help you much in your decision. But thought I would share.

NA$TY-TA

iTrader: (21)

Is this the correct part number for the 5.7 MLS head gaskets??? Is this price correct?? There cheap
From GM parts direct.
GM PART # 12498544
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $29.50
OUR PRICE: $20.65
DESCRIPTION: GSKT KIT
Cylinder Head Gasket Kit "2002-2004" This gasket kit includes two head gaskets for 2002 through 2004 LS1 Camaro and Corvette

Thanks, Kyle

Ryan23silverado

iTrader: (1)

Thanks 427, that is exactly what I was looking for. I thought I heard something about heads and coolant passages or something about the coolant and different gaskets.
My new heads have no casting like mentioned, they are newer heads so I will be using the pt#12498544 ;2002-2003 mls head gasket.

Na$ty- ya those are the right part numbers. I think they should hold up okay with head studs.

NA$TY-TA

iTrader: (21)

I was also thinking about going with LS6 copper head gaskets and head studs. Anyone use these and does anyone know what there compressed height?? Wich would work better LS6 or MLS on a 5.7 head and 3.905 bore.
Kyle