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Topic: head gasket reccomendations? (Read 3268 times) previous topic - next topic

head gasket reccomendations?

Ok, so I put about 2000 miles on my 5.0 cobra engine swap and it has blown a head gasket. The engine was used and stock with 89k on it. So no big surprise that it popped a seeing as its boosted.  My plan is to change the gaskets this week with a kit from mustangs unlimited. The kit includes a pair of graphite head gaskets and new torque to yield head bolts. I want to do the job with the motor in the car, so I want to use a gasket that doesn't require any high RA ratings. Does this sound like a good choice?

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #1
I would say with boost get a MLS gasket and be done

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #2
That requires me to strip the block and heads and have them machined for a hi RA rating. I was hoping not to do all that. I have a track day in two weeks.

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #3
This is the kit I was thinking of getting. They have it at mustangs unlimited right down the street from where I work on the car.
http://www.cjponyparts.com/engine-gasket-kit-high-performance-5-0l/p/M6051A50/

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #4
It says they can be used with a SC and its a good price try'em

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #5
I would us ARP head studs with a boosted 5.0 engine...

Lots of people swear by felpro 9333pt1

Travis

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #6
yea I was going to suggest studs also

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #7
Is it ok to use the arp studs with the graphite gasket? I ask because when I see them for sale, they always either come with torque to yield bolts or they say "torque to yield bolts are required".

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #8
Go with the felpros and studs should be good for your event if you don't run it to much. Retorque heads after first run up. I usually go 15 to 20 pounds more torque than factory specs. Welcome to the world or boost my friend. Always bring a spare set of heads gaskets with you if you are running at events all the time. I have done one in a parking lot before. I don't have experience with graphite gaskets so I can't comment there not sure if machining is required, the felpros are a good choice if machining is not an option. The next size thicker gasket might be an idea too if this is becoming a problem. I take it you didn't retorque the head bolts before you boosted it?? They are pr0ne to stretching over time. I am by no means an expert, but I got a lot of experience with turbo cars, before all these fancy new gaskets came out, felpros were always the one of choice; especially in turbo buicks.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #9
The Ford Racing gaskets are actually made by Felpro. I didn't re-torque the head bolts or over torque them because I read that it could comprise the bolts and reduce their clamping force. I'm no expert on engine assembly. Right now I'm just getting advise and doing as much research as I can before I start. Disassembly begins tomorrow after work. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures as always.

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #10
Good luck...

I was looking at your signature....do you have a wideband?  How are you tuning your engine?  While the bone stock ford stuff isnt great...ie head bolts and gaskets...lots of people have made them last awhile...so make sure your tune is good or you will be doing it again...

Travis

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #11
Yes, I have a wideband. My engine is controled by a megasquirt ECU.  I downloaded a base tune from DIY Autotune and taylored it to better suit my car.

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #12
That's cool how do you like it? How was the transition from your old computer to the megasquirt?? Been following the megasquirt since it come out, but been scared to dive in on one.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #13
Megasquirt is great. They make a plug and play kit that plugs right into the stock harness. It comes with everything you need.

turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.

head gasket reccomendations?

Reply #14
Got into it last night. One head is pulled.










turbo charged 94 Cobra engine/440cc injectors/megasquirt /5 speed swapped (T5)/maxbox upper intake/70mm PP throttle body/AJE coilovers/2003 Mustang control arms/S.T. sway bars/ES rear control arm bushings/11" brake conversion/manual rack conversion/8.8 TC rear with rear discs and a welded diff/3.73 gears/PLX wideband/199mph speedometer/Aeromotive FPR/CNC hydraulic hand brake/cobra R wheels/....ect.