LS Head Gasket replacement for MORE POWER!!!




Is there HP and RPM gain in head gaskets and cooling mods on your LS? Yes, and it’s been proven by Robert Yates Racing Engines in their continued development of the GM LS Spec engine for circle track application.

RYRE pulled a track tested engine out of a race car for endurance testing. The engine had the typical OEM type head gasket and cooling system that was run on the car. Testing also included using the radiator right out of the race car. During testing RYRE simulated the operating temps that the engines see, it was noticed in the overflow tank that the engine was off gassing out of the radiator cap. Some head scratching went on with the results of the engine and cooling system testing. Donnie Lewis, part of the RYRE development team and Art Leniti from Arts Radiators, started researching the LS engine program and GMs focus for the engine platform; emissions legal for the EPA and better fuel economy. Donnie’s and Art’s research revealed that GM achieved this through HEAT!! The higher the operating temperature is related to fuel operating temperature, the higher the fuel mileage and less emissions due to the heat that is needed for the catalytic converter to function efficiently. As more fuel is burned, there is more energy generated. In the confined space of a cylinder, this increases the pressure - and hence the temperature, which is converted, via the Otto cycle and the engine design, into mechanical energy to operate the engine. The energy realized is related to the temperature difference - the higher the combustion temperature and the lower the discharge temperature - the higher the efficiency of the engine and the improved fuel economy. In addition, to meet EPA efficiency and emission regs, OEM manufactures use 200 or even 210 Degree thermostats.

We all know running an engine cooler will produce more HP, but sacrifices fuel economy. RYRE needed performance and reliability for the spec engine. Inspection of the head gaskets revealed that GM limited the water around the combustion chamber to maintain the higher temperature. Additional evidence of an imbalance in cooling between the right and left head was evident because of the factory plumbing. RYRE modified the plumbing to consist of equal length lines with a T in the middle running to an expansion tank just under the radiator cap. This allows the gases to leave the heads equally.

RYRE pulled the stock gaskets off the test engine and punched 7 missing holes in the head gaskets. Being that this engine was a spec engine, power output and rpm range of power was well documented. These engines when reaching temp had always “laid over” on the straightaways and just quit pulling. RYRE’s cooling system modifications with parts from Art’s Radiators by RYRE were quite amazing. A simple few holes and some plumbing changes to add additional cooling and release off gases allowed the engine to continue pulling through the entire rpm range! All of this was from modification to the cooling system. Additional track testing showed that the engines ran cooler on the track.
At the end of the day, Donnie Lewis of RYRE used simple physics to convert an EPA emissions engine into a 600HP NA race engine that runs to 7800 rpm!!!!

Straub Tech’s relationship with RYRE has given us the opportunity to take this tech and turn it into a product for the performance LS customer. Available in small bore and large bore, the Straub Tech MLS gasket features the additional cooling holes that allow for more HP and higher rpm!!