Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) laser cut head gasket

[Centeno1]

ok lets see if i can get some input here. i have a friend who has a laser cutting business and can cut pretty much anything so i thought since i am going to switch to twins "when i build them this winter" if i should have him laser cut me a head gasket out of copper or stainless. now if i do that will i still need to oring/firering(whichever i choose) or would the copper or stainless allow me to avoid this. also which would be better copper or stainless and what thickness? just lookin for some info.



thanks

 

[Andy Redmond]

I would not go this route. Even minor tolerances (in spec) on the head or block could prevent proper sealing, unless the material will "squish" and conform. Then how is it once its been through a couple of heat cycles? I would think a skilled metalargist (sp) would need to be involved to ever make this successful.



The marine gasket (oem) at . 020 over torqued properly is pretty tough (no sure of your expected boost levels). The extra thickness lowers compression ratio a bit.



O-ringing when properly done is effective as well. Many also swear by the studs as well, even when added (used with the ) to a stock gasket.



Let your friend make other trick parts or goodies, but maybe not a headgasket.



I have a list of some shiny billet parts, if he's bored! :-laf



Good luck

Andy

 

[Centeno1]

ok fair

but why would he be making them for a 600 horsepower nova. as well as other race vehicles?

 

[Centeno1]

anyone else?

ok lets see if anyone else has any input

 

[Devan Manis]

Maybe the higher compression, and boost pressures would be too much for those head gaskets. If you going to try it anyways don't let us talk you out of it. who knows maybe something good will come out of this.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I would not go this route. Even minor tolerances (in spec) on the head or block could prevent proper sealing, unless the material will "squish" and conform. Then how is it once its been through a couple of heat cycles? I would think a skilled metalargist (sp) would need to be involved to ever make this successful.



The marine gasket (oem) at . 020 over torqued properly is pretty tough (no sure of your expected boost levels). The extra thickness lowers compression ratio a bit.



O-ringing when properly done is effective as well. Many also swear by the studs as well, even when added (used with the ) to a stock gasket.



Let your friend make other trick parts or goodies, but maybe not a headgasket.



I have a list of some shiny billet parts, if he's bored! :-laf



Good luck

Andy

I'll have to go with Andy, why? I've been running that setup for 2 years now, single O-ring in the head and studs. The first one was with a . 020 gasket, this one a . 010, it works and it holds... ... . never an issue!



Jim

 

[Centeno1]

here was the reason

the word is that the soeft maleable metal expands at temp tightening the seal but operating temp must be achieved prior to high boost pressures

jim what did the oringing run you? my problem is doing it because not too many competent mechanics in my area and this is a daily driver

 

[Jim Fulmer]

If I remember correctly Piers charges $300. 00 for the job, but you have to get your head to him or get a jig sent to you. When I did this I bought a stage 2 head with the O-ring already done... ... . one of there first ones.



Jim

 

[Centeno1]

jim youve swayed me

ya know you have a point who wants to be into the head gasket all the time if it doesnt seal right might as well splurge and get it dont right



think piers wants to sponsor me? :-laf