How to find the right Automotive Performance Head Gaskets AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Automotive Performance Head Gaskets
- Construction
- Use MLS for aluminum heads and high cylinder pressure, composite for older iron engines with less-than-perfect decks, and copper or O-ringed setups for extreme boost Each type tolerates a different combination of cylinder pressure and surface finish.
- Bore size
- The gasket bore must equal or slightly exceed the cylinder bore, and never overhang it An overhanging gasket edge burns out and can cause detonation.
- Compressed thickness
- Choose thickness to hit your target compression and quench, commonly about 0.035 to 0.045 in quench on typical street V8s with steel rods Thickness is the easiest way to tune compression and quench.
- Deck finish
- MLS needs a much smoother, flatter deck and head surface than composite, so follow the maker's finish spec MLS layers cannot fill machining marks, and a rough surface leaks coolant or combustion gases.
- Fasteners
- Use new bolts or quality studs torqued to the gasket maker's spec and sequence Clamping load decides whether any head gasket survives high cylinder pressure.
Brands that matter
- Fel-Pro: Composite and MLS performance head gaskets for most domestic engines.
- Cometic: MLS gaskets in many bore and thickness choices, including import and race engines.
- SCE Gaskets: Copper and pro-race head gaskets.
- Victor Reinz: OE-quality MLS for late-model and import engines.
- Mr. Gasket: Budget performance head gaskets.
What to avoid
- Putting MLS gaskets on an unmachined or pitted deck
- Reusing torque-to-yield head bolts
- Picking a thickness without measuring piston deck height
Questions
Do I need to re-torque a performance head gasket?
MLS gaskets typically do not need re-torquing. Some composite gaskets do, so follow the instructions that come with the gasket.