LS9 vs TFS Head Gaskets
LS9 vs TFS Head Gaskets Just seeing if anyone has any thoughts of which head gasket is better for a forged 5.3 with a turbo. I have a turbo 5.3 with tfs 220 heads that seems to have a head gasket that’s let go. I was running stock 5.3 head gaskets and they evidently didn’t like 22lbs of boost. It intermittently smokes at idle after it has set for a week or two. Has anyone had any trouble with stock 5.3 head gaskets with studs at about 750-800rwhp? I’m trying to figure out if I’m better off going with a set of tfs gaskets or Ls9 gaskets. Thanks for the help
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Ohio
The stock head gaskets for the aluminum gen 4 engines works very well, but I don't think its any different than any other 5.3 head gasket, you'll have to check. The smaller gasket bore gives them more sealing area between the cylinders.
Unless that smoke you get on start-up is burning antifreeze, I'd say its very unlikely you have a bad headgasket.
Unless that smoke you get on start-up is burning antifreeze, I'd say its very unlikely you have a bad headgasket.
I’m pretty sure it is coolant, it definitely smells like it to me. It’s just weird that it only happens once every 10 or so starts and only happens after it sits a couple of weeks. I’m just worried about hurting the motor if it is pooling coolant.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Ohio
Pull the spark plugs and check the cylinders after it has sat for a couple of weeks. If you can't see signs of coolant burning on the plugs, then use a cheap bore scope that plugs into your cell phone to scope each cylinder through the spark plug hole.
