factory head gasket question

[D1 guy]

does anyone know what is a safe boost pressure to run with a factory headgasket? I have a gt2871r on an s14 sr with 256/264 cams......is 1.5 bar too much? its only like 17 psi. This thing feels so strong, but Ive heard different opinions on how much boost I should run (it feels like 400hp). Just want your opinions in the barrel with all the rest. Thanks and yes I have searched.

[Nismo_Freak]

Is saving some time and money worth the risk of losing an engine.

[D1 guy]

well whats a safe amount to run?

[codyace]

By factory do you mean never replaced? Or do you mean that you've changed the HG for a new OEM one???

I don't forsee 20 pounds on a NEW OEM Headgasket with ARP head bolts to much, as long as you don't boost that ALL the time

I'd probably have it around 1 bar for normal driving, and then bump it up for fun occasionally...

[D1 guy]

I keep my car around a nice crisp 12 psi through the week. I just like to play alittle on the weekends. The head gasket has never been replaced that I know of. It has about 35k miles on the motor.

[Nismo_Freak]

I'd replace it with a Tomei or Apexi 1.4mm and mill the head and block.

Verify cam timing, as it may be off.

[180fan]

So Alan, how does one go about checking cam timing? Any formulas for us that are planning/have gone with thicker headgaskets that suggests how many degrees to advance/retard the cam in relation to the difference in thickness of the headgasket?

[Nismo_Freak]

So Alan, how does one go about checking cam timing? Any formulas for us that are planning/have gone with thicker headgaskets that suggests how many degrees to advance/retard the cam in relation to the difference in thickness of the headgasket?

The problem is the variations of the timing chain tensioner slack and the overall movement of components when you increase or decrease the height of the head.

As with any cam gear, you want to tune it on the dyno anyways to dictate your powerband.