It's a simple question. I've had a few shops give me different answers.

One saying that Cometic 100% fails. Another saying that cometic is the same as HKS or stock and can handle anything.

I'd appreciate some experienced shops tipping in, so maybe I can inform a not so experienced shop.

 

That is not a good sign, that you are researching head gaskets after having your built motor installed.

I have heard more bad things about the Cometic than good. I personally would go for the HKS because it has been proven in many high hp builds.

 

With all the research I've done over the years, If the shop doesn't have the same parts list as me- I just don't know why I don't pack up and take my car somewhere else.

Unless they can convince me it's better for a large number reasons.

 

This doesn't matter. I got screwed again. Apex Automotive is clearly a shop not fit for any work outside of an over priced oil change.


I have the worst fuscking luck.

 

Eric, both Jim Wolf at JWT and Sam at GTM have recommended using the HR headgaskets. HKS also are very good, but quite a bit more expensive.

I also have not heard good things about Cometic headgaskets.

On my new build, I'm going with the HR headgaskets.

 

Terry - Did you happen to read that the madscientest (I forget his name) got head lift with the HR bolts. I am not sure what kind of boost he was running but I remember him running on e85 and about 600hp if I recall correctly. I know you are shooting for numbers higher than that, and seems to be the HKS and head studs are cheap insurance in the grand view of things.

 

His name is Joe.....I think it failed at 680+.....

 

That is impressive that they held up to that.

 

Am I missing something? Did something happen to your engine that has been posted already?

 

Thank you for the heads up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll check out his post.

As far as headgaskets, the new bores are 97mm. I'm not sure if the HKS's will fit. I beleive that GTM has been using the HR headgaskets exclusively for these builds, and I haven't heard of any issues so far on any of their motors...

I still have my L19 head studs, though, so I can use these instead of the HR head bolts. Maybe I will.

Mike, I believe that you are using the HR headgasket with the ARP L19 head studs. Is this correct?

 

I found MadScientist's post:

"Reason for changing kits was because after ZDayZ I found out how much power the stock HR head bolts will actually hold. After 670whp the heads will lift!! When this happened it damaged the block... "

Unless I hear that there were issues with the head bolt installation on MadScientist's build, I'll play it safe and use my L19s (luckily they never sold and I still have them).

 

Did you check out the Cosworth Headgasket?

 

On HKS site it says that it is a 97mm bore.
http://www.hksusa.com/info/?id=3066

Cosworth I am only seeing
96mm & 98mm

Power Enterprise
97mm

Cometic
96mm
98mm
100mm

 

I am using L19 and HKS...

 

Cool, there is a 97mm HKS!