Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

graphite head gasket limits?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 24, 2004 | 09:20 PM
  #1  
1dirtyZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 1
From: the not so stock tribe
Default graphite head gasket limits?

how durable are the graphite head gaskets when used with an oringed block and boost ?
will they hold up like a copper gasket ? ( better, worse?)

what do you expect the boost limit would be then? ( assuming the heads won't lift?)
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2004 | 10:37 AM
  #2  
Tin Indian's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 2
From: SW Florida
Default

I can't understand why there are folks in the LS1 community that feel the graphite head gaskets are inferior to the MLS gaskets for use in boosted engines. Keep the detonation in check, and you won't have anything to worry about unless you are lifting the heads.

Guys running Turbo Buicks have been using the stock Buick graphite gaskets for years and running more than 20 psi boost.

Stock graphite gaskets along with stainless O ringed heads will be more than enough for the boost levels I see anyone running in these LS1s.

MLS gaskets can be a little tricky. If the head and block surface are not perfect, the MLS gaskets (to include the aftermarket MLS gaskets) won't seal as well as graphite ones.

High boost with lots of detonation will kill any head gaskets ... I don't care which ones you use.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2004 | 10:58 AM
  #3  
1dirtyZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 1
From: the not so stock tribe
Default

cool , my concern i guess was that the oring might cut through the graphite if the motor is heat cycled enough times.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2004 | 11:06 AM
  #4  
Tin Indian's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 2
From: SW Florida
Default

I don't know about O ringed blocks, but with O ringed heads; The stainless wire ring is placed in a groove in the heads so it contacts the metal "fire ring" of the head gasket. It does not involve the actual graphite material.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2004 | 06:53 PM
  #5  
1dirtyZ's Avatar
Thread Starter
8 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 1
From: the not so stock tribe
Default

would it affect it much? i mean the only difference is that the ring is on the other side of the block.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2004 | 08:56 PM
  #6  
Tin Indian's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 2
From: SW Florida
Default

Originally Posted by 1dirtyZ
would it affect it much? i mean the only difference is that the ring is on the other side of the block.
I'm no expert, but I can't see that it would make any difference whether or not the wire ring was installed in the head or the block. The metal fire ring in any head gasket is the same on both sides (from what I have seen).
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:19 PM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE