upgrading the head gasket?!

[crookedcop7]

I have a 94-96 early s13 blacktop sr20det w/ the basic upgradesfmic,255lph fuel pump, 11psi boost, bigger oil pan. I just sold my 03 evo VIII to play w/ this car alittle more got about 10grand to play with $5000 I figure for a good paint job (color change w/ undercoat)So... on to the bug questionsI want to upgrade the turbo to a 2871R and run about 16-18psi so I was going to get:garrett 2871R turbo $1100greddy oil cooler w/ relocation kit $650550cc injectors $475Z32 maf $100sard fpr $125hks intake for z32 maf $396RS-Enthalpy ECU Tune $525arp head studs $125now heres the question what size head gasket do I get some people have told me to stay stock 0.8mm w/ 86mm bore (apexi)others say go to a 1.0- 1.2mm w/ 86mm bore (hks,greddy,apexi)I want to do things the right way the first time So please help thanks in advance adam

ps Im building a drift car about $4000 in suspension work already

[9240sx]

Id go with the Greddy 1.2mm or the Apexi 1.1 both are the best headgasket's for the sr

[drifter_for_life06]

+1 for the Apex'i 1.1

[nzmoman]

Im down with the Apex'i, you really shouldn't have to worry about either one of your options. I think if shes tuned right then you'll be fine either way. How much power are you trying for? Are you thinkin about the bottom end at all? I know that the sr bottom end holds a good amount of power, but I would look into purchasing good gear from another brand to save a bit and getting some pistons and rings.

The reason is that most people (maybe not you) dont know the history of their motor and even if the bottom end holds 450+ horses, after high revs and high boost for an extended amount of time something will wear. Getting a higher performance piston and ring set can decrease the chances for you having to go back in for a very long time. I would do anything if you are just looking to stay at 325, but that turbo should be good into the 400's.

[nzmoman]

be sure though that any gear you buy is from a reputable company. Teh ones you listed are all proven, but there are some out there that do just as well, but dont have the money to sponsor a car, therefore we rarely hear of them.

[crookedcop7]

Im looking to end up w/ appox. 350rwhp 375ft.lbs torque

as of right now I have arc: oil pan greddy:vspec ic boost/oil guagestomei:rocker arm stopperflex a lite:dual fanskoyo:rad.nismo:2way lsd motor/transmission mountfrppower braceslave clinyderclutch lineenergy suspension:bushing kitsuspension techique:swaybaystein:he coiloverstie rod/tie rod endstension rodscuscostrut bars front and rearB&M shortshifter180sx type X caliperstop sercet:padsproject mu:brake linesrotorss13 front endturbo xs mbcwarblo 255lph fuel pump

So if there's anything else I may need please let me know thanks in advance adamalso Im having a hard time finding the greddy oil cooler kit (in stock) if you know that someone has it in stock please let me know the only oil cooler I found in stock was a (TAKA) $450 @phase2motorsports.com

[sflkouki]

try projectnissan.com

[nzmoman]

umm, thats good power....real good power....

[crookedcop7]

today I bought:tomei 555cc injectorsz32 maf w/pluggarrett 2871r turbogreddy oil coolerunfortunely I blew up my beat a 92 sentraw/ 205000 miles so the headgasket is going to have to wait like a month also with out upgrading the headgasket what is a boost to run

[JesusLikesKFC]

ehh 12-13 is where im at.

[DrifterProdigy85]

ive been running 18psi on my 2871R .64 for 2 months now on the stock headgasket. If theres no detonation or lean conditions i doubt theres a problem with blowing it. MA Motorsports runs a stock headgasket on there KA-T drift car at around 25psi boost with a T3/T4 50 trim i think.

[redline19]

if you don't already have it, some samco hoses would be nice for that koyo rad.

and if you're doing a head gasket, might as well change out that timing chain while you're at it. http://www.courtesyparts.com has most of the parts you need.

also if all these mods already, a greddy intake manifold would be a great addition if you still afford it with some money left over, and possibly a good set of pistons since i think the stock rods would hold up for the set up you have. but its just preference, if you have a good tune done i don't think you'll have to much to worry about but its something to think about.

and +1 for the greddy 1.2mm.

[nzmoman]

Is the KA-T gasket rated to hold as much pressure as the SR? I am not up to par on the KA-T options so I dont know, but I would figure the iron block may have something to do with how the pressure is actually moved throughout the motor, because aluminum and iron both expand but iron will not expand as much under the same temps as aluminum will because aluminumis a softer lighter metal, and I would figure that the expanding of blocks under extreme temp changes i.e. racing, is a part of blown gaskets and not just pressure, this would be one of the reasons that when you have chronic leaking problems with coolant and overheating the head gasket is more likely to go because the motor begins to warp.

But I am only using my science knowledge and experience in friends with srewed up gaskets to determine that... somebody else can chime in if im wrong, id like to know.

[DrifterProdigy85]

The gasket will only last as long as the condition of the engine. Stock gasket will blow from a sign of detonation and lean conditions.