Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) head gasket boost levels

[Swineheart]

Ok I've read a number of posts about head bolts & gaskets. I'am installing the BD super B towing twins turbo set up. I want to know where is a safe limit to set the boost so I don't blow my head gaskets? I plan on fire-ringing & ARP studs for the furture, but can't afford it right now.

 

[hsmith]

You don't mention if it is original head gasket or the mileage. Mine is gated at 38, seldom sees it though. 30 psi more like the max for me. Stock head and head bolts also. Joe D is running those twins with stock head bolts, maybe he will chime in.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I am running the R700 BD Twins on my 2004 with around 600 HP; I also ran the towing twins. In both cases, I have the wastegate rod turned so the ‘gate stays tight shut, which is the best and proper way to run twins. The caveat is that you don't want egt's over 1250 deg, or 1300 deg. Max. If you do get higher numbers, you need bigger twins or, especially with a 12 valve, head porting and a camshaft (a 1998. 5-2002 and a 2004. 5-up engine also have non-optimal camshaft designs; the 2003-early 2004 HO cam is OK). Part of the recipe should be keeping the boost air cool. This is generally accomplished with a good intercooler like the BD extruded tube design (I am using one) along with properly sized turbos. I run stock head bolts and gaskets; in fact, I have never disturbed them from when the factory built the engine. I don't usually go over 35-40 psi boost but do go on occasion to the 55 psi max that the twins produce. I have used them for three years and 50,000 miles, an incredible record for turbo life on my Sickly Rams.

 

[JJPage]

I am running the R700 BD Twins on my 2004 with around 600 HP. I have the wastegate rod turned so the ‘gate stays tight shut, which is the best and proper way to run twins. The caveat is that you don't want egt's over 1250 deg, or 1300 deg. Max. I run stock head bolts and gaskets; in fact, I have never disturbed them from when the factory built the engine. I don't usually go over 35-40 psi boost but do go on occasion to the 55 psi max that the twins produce.

This is my recipe for success also.



I received an email from P Harry shortly after purchasing my kit from BD, it was his advice also, I have had zero issues.



Jess

 

[cerberusiam]

On the 12V engines the limit was around 40 psi with the stock gasket. You could eek a little more than that but it is pushing your luck. As long as you can keep the EGT's in check 40 psi is doable for a while.



The CR's are an entirely different beast, they can take more heat and more pressure. Usually don't worry about the HG until one is consistently past 50 psi.



More worrisome than boost is the potential for valve float at higher boost pressure and the ensuing little eyebrows in the pistons. That would be my biggets worry on a 12V or CR.

 

[Swineheart]

My engine has 250,000 miles on it and I've never had the head off. Some of the threads I've read I should not use my water injection till I up grade my head gasket & studs because it will increase cylinder pressure is that true?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 2003-up engines have a multi-layer steel head gasket that is better than the gasket used in earlier engines. However, I ran 60 psi in my 1997. Don't let egt's go too high and don't run very high timing if you want it to hold up with stock head bolts and no o-rings.