[Mk2] [Turbo] Head Gasket Question

[speedy_g]

Do I need to fit a steel head gasket if I'm looking for 280-300 rwhp?

If so, what compression ratio should I be looking for?

[Riddles]

I would suggest so. Its always a nice piece of mind whenever boost is raised. You can buy a headgasket of the same thickness as standard and keep compression the same - which is the way I've gone.
How are you getting to that power figure?


-RIDS-

[speedy_g]

Currently running:

A link Xlem Standalone
Turbo technics hybrid ct26
Greddy Intercooler
Blueflame Exhaust
Aussie De-cat
Apexi Powerflow
NGK Plugs
Blitz Spec S

I've bought some 540 injectors and planning to fit a 255 pump, hoping that will be enough

[rookie-racer]

SORRY IF THIS COMES ACROSS AS HIJACKING... BUT DO YOU NEED TO SKIM BOTH HEAD AND BLOCK BEFORE FITTING A STEEL GASKET? JUST SOMETHING SOMEONE TOLD ME ONCE THAT PUT ME OFF GOING DOWN THAT ROUTE

[BenF]

No, not on a properly mapped engine.

For that sort of FWHP figure, you're just over the point where 'reasonably' priced mods will get you there though - 320-330 bhp @ flywheel is possible from a Rev3 with careful tuning and mapping.

[speedy_g]

So that's a "no" I don't need to fit one?

[BenF]

I'd (personally) fit a quality HG from the likes of TRD or HKS - not cheap, HKS do a 'stopper' HG for around £250 which I used in my Rev2's rebuild about 4 years back. ISTR that the HKS HG was a metal sandwich construction though.

[bowmont]

is it blown ? if not no why ? mines running around 350bhp, no probs. if so skim the head if it not allready been done so many times if your going to have to skim the block forget it whats the point never had one warped in the 16 years of being in the trade if it comes to that new engine . no need to change head gaskets or skiming unless you have problems(or if its a mg - rover) or want to change your compresions for any reasons, if any thing i need a stronger gripping clutch to stoping it spinning when a doing time trails when its gets hot

[speedy_g]

No it's not blown. It seems to be a contentious issue. The power primer doesn't mention changing the HG till you reach pretty high figures, however there are some stories on here of the HG letting go at 1.1 bar.

I was looking at the cometic HG's being sold by GTS Chris, are they inferior to the HKS and TRD ones?

[bowmont]

ok then ive been runing mine for over a year with no probs i do have to say i dont know what,if the hg has been replaced from bog from the anti freeze colour no ,if you are going down the road of head gaskets and power other things shoulld be thought of like mileage engine,gearbox,clutch,condition if tip top condition why?, if it ent broke why fix it or chuck money at it untill you are sure . if you are going down the road of head skiming, hg ,block skiming you may as well go for the full hog and try 500bhp whilst you have that engine out to have it skimed if it was me andif you have no problems with the car at the bhp you are wanting no ,if anything just keep on top of your servicing hate to see any one to chuck ther had earned cash away unless the feel they need too

[BenF]

The power primer

... do you have a link?

[speedy_g]

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=51

It doesn't mention HG's till the 400hp level, hence my confusion.

[Riddles]

GTSChris sells Cometics headgaskets, which is what I bought. They are really good quality.



-RIDS-

[BenF]

Not seen a Cometics HG for a MK2 yet, but HG's they make for other cars are good quality.