metal head gasket for the ka

[auto180sx]

there any metal head gaskets for the ka24de? i know there some for the sr, ca and so forth, but i want to go all power ka. any ideas?

[Exar-Kun]

SCE makes them I think, but you dont need them, even under boost applications, the KA headgasket has done fine(you may want to o-ring the block over 20psi..)

http://www.scegaskets.com/

-chet

[auto180sx]

ive had bad luck with the ka head gasket, so im going to go ahead and try to keep it from happeneing again

[klattr1]

cometic makes one

[deviousKA]

Best headgasket that i have found and the one i use on all my high compression builds is ROL. It is better than the felpro and pci racing headgaskets. They also sell headbolts for the KA.

http://www.rolmfg.com/

[trpower7]

I've been exploring several options for this. I have experienced several cars with MHGs that leaked constantly, some have blown MHGs and rendered the block and head deck mating surfaces useless, and some people just blow stockers like it's their job. In theory, if I want to build a KA to hold 30+ PSI of boost, do I absolutely HAVE to get a MHG, or can I use a stocker as kind of an "engine fuse", IE, the HG goes before other more expensive things do. I've heard of people doing this, but never seen anyone I consider reputable using it as a practice. Anyone got any new info for me?

[Exar-Kun]

just o-ring the block if your going to be going over 20psi. chris mays engine unsed a stock HG, but with an o-ring installed, and he was running 17+psi all the time(sometimes over 21)-chet

[trpower7]

May be worth the try, I've heard of it but I'm always nervous about cutting into the block deck. I'll explore some other options and see what I can dig up.

[Exar-Kun]

sorry, but for high boost applications there no "other option" for 20+psi, you're going to have to o-ring the block and do lots of other work for it to hold that kind of power, in fact, this is true regardless of engine really...

I have heard of epople running composite headgaskets(like the cometic ones) under boost with good results, but 30psi is a TON of boost man.-chet

[trpower7]

Hah, of this I'm well aware. I've seen strictly drag cars, etc, with the capability to replace HGs with regularity run stock, FelPro, whatever, so that they can in fact replace HGs instead of other more costly things. I know a head gasket job on a KA for me and a friend is a morning ordeal.........

[Exar-Kun]

yeah, headgaskets on KA engines are no fun, just like the timing chain....

doesnt fail often..but damn its a pain in the butt if they do. where are you at? if you can get the engine to sunbelt they do awesome work.-chet