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Cheap 4" head gaskets?

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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 08:25 AM
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Default Cheap 4" head gaskets?

Anyone know where to get any? $73 each is just not fair pricing.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 09:26 AM
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I got the 3 layer MLS from thunder Racing about 2 yrs ago for like $37 each. Their a sponser (TR logo) ---->
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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tr has them like 80$ pair last time i checked, also sdpc
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 11:35 AM
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autozone has .042 Mr Gasket that I used for less than $27.99 each. They are right and left specific: 5714G and 5713G. They also have felpro in stock thickness for less $$.

The Mr. Gaskets sealed where Cometic did not. I don't understand how Cometic get away with charging $120+ for those, especially when they have sealing issues.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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Thanks guys!
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 04:31 PM
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Cheap and head gaskets don't belong in the same sentence. I have never had trouble out of the 2 sets of Cometics I have used. Nor did they cost $120. You might need to shop around.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 05:21 PM
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Re: Cheap 4" head gaskets?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by ploegi
"cheap" and "head gasket" in combination really doesn't sound like a good plan to me......

GM's own composite 350 head gaskets, the $18 each kind, have held over 550 HP, and the early LS1s came with the same style of gasket, so why would I want MLS at 4 times the price? My LQ4 is getting a compression bump, but I'm at 4500 feet, so it's like stock compression at sea level. This build will not see any nitrous or boost, so I'd be lucky to hit 500 HP. HotRod or CarCraft did an LQ4 with the GM "HOT" cam, and got 483 hp at 6000 rpm from an early LQ4. Those iron heads have the same ports and valves as the LS1 heads I'm wanting to install.
So, my dynamic cylinder pressure won't be high enough to need MLS. Now, I've found composite gaskets for 3.9" bores, but that won't work on my block.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 05:22 PM
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besides, 483 HP at sea level, corrected to my elevation, is 401 HP.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 05:28 PM
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GM says the pistons are supposed to be 0.008" out of the cylinders at top dead center, so an 0.042" gasket is really pushing my luck with stock rpm, let alone reaching for 6500 rpm. Ive seen piston-to-head collision with 0.031" clearance and 6500 rpm, using all good forged aftermarket parts.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 05:53 PM
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Go with the GM 5 layer MLS gaskets. .051 thickness and 4.020 bore. Proven winner and a deal from SDPC. Part #12589227. Their site is tweaking at the moment but they ran about $40 each when I bought them a couple months ago.

http://www.sdparts.com
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 1CAMWNDR
Cheap and head gaskets don't belong in the same sentence.
Gotta agree on this one......
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 11:14 PM
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is it worth the $$ for cometic gaskets? LS1 with a cam and LS6 manifold
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:47 PM
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We have the GM MLS gaskets on the shelf. I believe they are just under $40. Let us know if you need a set!

Jon
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Rick_Vor
Go with the GM 5 layer MLS gaskets. .051 thickness and 4.020 bore. Proven winner and a deal from SDPC. Part #12589227. Their site is tweaking at the moment but they ran about $40 each when I bought them a couple months ago.

http://www.sdparts.com
Thanks Rick, this seems safe for thickness, without being excessive, and the bore sounds perfect.
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 01ssreda4
Gotta agree on this one......
Scroll up to reply #7, wherein I explain my lack of dynamic cylinder pressure.
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Jon@Texas-Speed
We have the GM MLS gaskets on the shelf. I believe they are just under $40. Let us know if you need a set!

Jon
Thanks, I probably will, because I have a TSP cam on my short list of cams. Which started at about 16 cams, and is currently down to 6.
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by dmiz0420
autozone has .042 Mr Gasket that I used for less than $27.99 each. They are right and left specific: 5714G and 5713G. They also have felpro in stock thickness for less $$.

The Mr. Gaskets sealed where Cometic did not. I don't understand how Cometic get away with charging $120+ for those, especially when they have sealing issues.
Just an fyi, these aren't 4" bore... They're for an LS1, not an LQ
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by ramdaspadhye
Just an fyi, these aren't 4" bore... They're for an LS1, not an LQ
Even though I decided against them, I appreciate you clarifying.
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