Head gasket for hi boost

[dash]

Occasionally I've read on aussie forums about O-ringing the block and run a cheap composite head gasket, to hold hi boost.Arguements say that O-ring is only intended for copper gasket which don't seal too well for street applications. Some proven otherwise.

Our 2.6 starions have head gasket sealing problems because of the cylinder pressure they are capable of and the head bolt spacing.Some hold 30+psi with the copper gasket & o-ring block.Recently, a couple done 28-34psi with O-ringed head and cheap $20 composite Felpro head gasket! ...recommended by a porche performance shop. It worked.Perhaps a viable option to expensive metal head gaskets

Interesting solution. Any thoughts ?

[float_6969]

Viable option, but O-ringing the block CAN (depends on the shop) be expensive.

[Swedish Mike]

With perfect grinded head and block surface a OEM or similar gasket will hold up for a loooong time. Know 400 bhp CA´s with OEM gasket.Even more on other engines. Like the Volvo 5-cyl, over 700 bhp on OEM gasket, cool.

But on the other hand, when we have MLS gaskets for CA, why not use it?

/Mike

[c-rad]

I was quotoed $150 for a stainless o-ring job... but I would rather blow out my headgasket then shoot internals out the bottom and side of the block.

[dash]

yeah, O-ring price can vary.One particular guy bought the d.i.y. O-ring tool that 'centers' itself via the cylinder bore, to do his block and used *copper* welding? wire. Tested it to briefly to 30psi, whereas before he popped them @25 everytime. Only need a cheap gasket to seal the fluids.

I mention this for those seeking to go crazy with the boost. The methods solved the problem for the hi boost 2.6s, which put out 4-600 ft-lbs tq at the wheels! thats alot for a 4cyl street car.Interesting that a 'simple' option can work so well.

Too many arguements on the "head gasket is a fuse" topic.Perhaps thats more a 'quality of tune' issue... as not a single one of these 2.6s mentioned have sent any internals thru the block. So many things can poke a hole in your block, that have nothing to do with a head gasket - most common is oil starvation locking up a rod bearing.