High boost head gaskets
12-24-2009, 10:38 PM
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High boost head gaskets I heard from a very reputable source that they always use the stock GM MLS head gaskets on all of their boosted motors. I just want to see what others are running. I have been running Cometics but push water constantly. I'm about to put a new set on and am leaning heavily towards the stockers (LS7 .051) I am running ~19-20lbs of boost 10.3 compression.
12-24-2009, 11:58 PM
#3
I heard from a very reputable source that they always use the stock GM MLS head gaskets on all of their boosted motors. I just want to see what others are running. I have been running Cometics but push water constantly. I'm about to put a new set on and am leaning heavily towards the stockers (LS7 .051) I am running ~19-20lbs of boost 10.3 compression.
12-25-2009, 09:51 AM
#6
I have cometic on my talon which sees like 25psi. no issues. Block and head prep was important for cometics. I also used a bit of copper spray even though cometic said not to.
I used ls7 in my current build but was reading how the water jackets don't line up exactly. I have afr 225 heads with arp head studs. I have seen no water but so far have not gone beyond the 7.5psi level. Upgrading turbos and plan to push to 15 or maybe 20psi tops. Was thinking to go to cometic or ls9 if did change out or have problems with the ls7 ones.
My 408 is surfaced ok for the cometics according to builder.
Few other things to keep in mind are what heads are you running and too much timing can lift think just about head with just about any gasket. Thicker heads are better of course .
So what are you running for the rest of your setup..head studs, heads..timing..
I used ls7 in my current build but was reading how the water jackets don't line up exactly. I have afr 225 heads with arp head studs. I have seen no water but so far have not gone beyond the 7.5psi level. Upgrading turbos and plan to push to 15 or maybe 20psi tops. Was thinking to go to cometic or ls9 if did change out or have problems with the ls7 ones.
My 408 is surfaced ok for the cometics according to builder.
Few other things to keep in mind are what heads are you running and too much timing can lift think just about head with just about any gasket. Thicker heads are better of course .
So what are you running for the rest of your setup..head studs, heads..timing..
12-25-2009, 11:28 AM
#7
For moderate boost setups, the MLS have proven to work the best. On my previous TT T/A I ran 18psi daily driven and never had a head gasket problem. On my current setup, we're going into the mid 20s boost wise and are giving the SCE full Copper head gaskets a shot. We're currently dyno tuning and have only seen 18psi on a partial throttle run but I'll have more news in a week or 2.
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12-25-2009, 12:57 PM
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I have cometic on my talon which sees like 25psi. no issues. Block and head prep was important for cometics. I also used a bit of copper spray even though cometic said not to.
I used ls7 in my current build but was reading how the water jackets don't line up exactly. I have afr 225 heads with arp head studs. I have seen no water but so far have not gone beyond the 7.5psi level. Upgrading turbos and plan to push to 15 or maybe 20psi tops. Was thinking to go to cometic or ls9 if did change out or have problems with the ls7 ones.
My 408 is surfaced ok for the cometics according to builder.
Few other things to keep in mind are what heads are you running and too much timing can lift think just about head with just about any gasket. Thicker heads are better of course .
So what are you running for the rest of your setup..head studs, heads..timing..
I used ls7 in my current build but was reading how the water jackets don't line up exactly. I have afr 225 heads with arp head studs. I have seen no water but so far have not gone beyond the 7.5psi level. Upgrading turbos and plan to push to 15 or maybe 20psi tops. Was thinking to go to cometic or ls9 if did change out or have problems with the ls7 ones.
My 408 is surfaced ok for the cometics according to builder.
Few other things to keep in mind are what heads are you running and too much timing can lift think just about head with just about any gasket. Thicker heads are better of course .
So what are you running for the rest of your setup..head studs, heads..timing..
Last edited by T-Bones Goat; 12-25-2009 at 01:08 PM.
12-25-2009, 08:47 PM
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Travis, I used to have water pushing problems with the Cometics. I did some brain picking of the "faster then I guys" and found that the torque specs ARP gives are too low.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
12-25-2009, 10:27 PM
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Travis, I used to have water pushing problems with the Cometics. I did some brain picking of the "faster then I guys" and found that the torque specs ARP gives are too low.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
12-26-2009, 12:47 AM
#12
Travis, I used to have water pushing problems with the Cometics. I did some brain picking of the "faster then I guys" and found that the torque specs ARP gives are too low.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
I increased my head stud torque about 10 ft lbs more and I never pushed water again.
I also use the indian head copper spray on both sides of the gasket now too but the higher torque values really did the trick.
The new engine is getting o-ringed.
12-26-2009, 08:42 PM
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It is. You have twice the head bolts holding your **** down. I also torque a little tighter with ARP studs. I had some very minor "seeping" on my nitrous setup early in the game. With the engine still warm I pulled the headers down and re-torque to 85 (on all the studs besides the top), and never had another problem. I have used copper spray, and I have also put them on dry with no issues either way. I'm seriously considering the GM MLS gaskets on my turbo setup though. Still haven't decided yet.
12-27-2009, 12:19 PM
#17
You ca increase the bolt/stud torque, but remember, once you meet the yield strength of the bolt, they cannot be reused. They essentially become torque to yield bolts. Sort of an expensive "throw away" part.
You can call ARP & get the max values for the fastener you use, but I would guess they are at approx 80% (wihout running any calcs) of the yield strength.
You can call ARP & get the max values for the fastener you use, but I would guess they are at approx 80% (wihout running any calcs) of the yield strength.
