gnx7

iTrader: (28)

I'm trying to finalize what parts I need for my project and trying to decide on which headgaskets and either ARP head studs or bolts. I'd appreciate some input.

Here is my planned combo:
stock '99+ LS1, Katech rod bolts,
205cc AFR's (out of the box), road race cam (11:1 compression or less)
1 7/8" LT headers, dual 3" into single 4" with Ultraflo muffler
LS6 intake, ported stock TB
built/cryo'd T56, 3:90's
sub 2900lbs with driver

I got pricing on Cometic head gaskets and my jaw about dropped when I saw how much they were. The ARP head studs are a ton more than bolts but I realize how much better clamping force they produce (x-Buick GN guy).

I plan to daily drive my car and road race it a few times per month and will have a road race oriented custom cam. I really only plan on shooting a 150hp NOS shot at the drag strip truly 10 times per year if that to try and go 9's. I'm not a big fan of NOS but do plan on using it to meet my 9 second goal at the strip.

My questions are:

a) ARP head bolts vs. studs

b) stock GM gaskets vs. Cometic gaskets

When running NOS I plan on having 100 octane in my fuel tank and 116 race gas for the NOS fuel cell.

Thanks in advance,

-Mark

jrp

iTrader: (16)

ARP studs and cometic

Slowhawk

iTrader: (12)

No need for cometics.Just use GM MLS gaskets(multilayer steel).Some FI cars are pushing more than 800hp with them without any problems.

antz01ta

iTrader: (3)

i'm using arp bolts and gm gaskets with 600 rwhp.
check the sig.

427 LS1

iTrader: (10)

ARP Studs and GM MLS Gaskets.

Camaro ChriSS

Its been recommended to me to use GM steel shim gasket and ARP bolts. I'll be doing 205's with 66cc and a blower eventually.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

On my recent motor build, I went through 4 sets of GM MLS gaskets (long story filled with insane ranting, nothing to do with the gaskets, they work great). I've not yet hit the price of a pair of Cometics.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

Thanks guys.... I'll most likely do studs and the MLS gaskets. I like the idea of not having to remove the head studs in the event of a HG failure. I want those threads in the block to live a long and happy life.

-Mark

Viper

iTrader: (6)

I thought you sometimes had to use Cometic's because GM MLS only comes in so many thicknesses?

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

I use cometic. It's seems better to pay a little more for gaskets than to have to change cheap head gaskets. I hate pulling off the heads. ( coolant everywhere)!

badpewter-z

iTrader: (4)

im gonna go with the metal gm's too
liek 25 a piece which isnt bad at all and very unlikly to blow out unless you need a certian thickness i susspose