Custom head and timing cover gaskets

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Head gasket:

When I was ramping up for my build over last winter I was lucky enough to see a local blow a head gasket (not so much for him but it was a great opportunity to learn!) sorry @Realgib3;

Long story short the OEM paper thin top layer of the head gasket didn't like the ~40+ psi of boost that was thrown at it as you can see below:



It doesn't take an idiot to see that the boosts wanted to meet and introduce themselves to those water jackets and they seemed to get along great which didn't work out for the car so much.

So I took the hike to Cometic Gasket (all 10 miles from my house) and paired up with an engineer there and we developed the gasket below:


Yes yes it is a crappy picture but my phone camera is shot, but improvements are:

1. 3 thicker than stock layers while eliminating the paper thin layer (new thickness=.034", OEM thickness=.030")

2. Coolant jacket restrictions in the two particular jackets that blew out on example gasket above (I've been told this is where almost all head gasket fails happen)

3. Thicker, deeper, and wider embosses to provide more bite into both deck surfaces (if you've ever seen how thick the OEM embosses are... its a joke)

4. Fully coated exterior and partial coated interior (safer than the OEM partial everything)

5. Tighter bore size (new bore= 88mm, OEM=~89mm)

6. Perfectly circular embosses around the cylinders on the block side (incase you do not know what stock looks like I will post a picture below outlining weak set up)

excuse the artistic ability please.

So has it been tested?
yes it has, on my car (mods in signature) I cut .004" off the block and the head plus this gasket gets me into the 10.3:1 to 10.5:1 comp ratio (complete guess) and after ~12k miles and many many many pulls of 30PSI and as of today I'm hold 210 psi in each cylinder across the bored! (V-Dyno below)



Any questions, comments, or concerns just post away!

Timing cover gasket:

If you've ever done a timing job in the car you probably feel like me near the end of the job "this fucking RTV is getting everywhere!!!!"

To add insult to injury my timing cover leaked all of last summer (didn't want to spend all the time and money fixing it) it ended up being just a single lose bolt near the top . But never the less I was inspired to make a cover gasket. So below is a beautiful picture of the timing cover gasket.


Has it been tested? yes! again on my car.

It works flawlessly and I had to adjust my timing after the motor went in (honestly shaved 3 hours off the job of cleaning the old RTV off and putting the new RTV on) all I used is hi-tack gasket dressing (Loctite Hi-Tack Gasket Dressing Sticks 39158 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing) and smacked it back in. So for the cost of the gasket and hi-tack I don't have to screw with RTV anymore if I ever need to tear apart the timing, cuts the job in half time wise and difficulty wise.

Again, any questions, comments, or concerns please post away!

[Turbo_Steve]

Your contributions to our platform are absolutely awesome. Thanks for putting in the time and effort.

[SuckSqueezBangBlow]

You sir, are awesome

[Tokay444]

Thanks for the leg work, though I question how taking .004" out of the combustion chamber is raise compression by that much.

[Realgib3]

Originally Posted by Tokay444 Thanks for the leg work, though I question how taking .004" out of the combustion chamber is raise compression by that much.

Same amount taken off the head too, but really all we know is natural compression is >210psi

[jdmage_mx5]

This is awesome. I always dreaded the crap load of rtv on the timing cover.

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by Tokay444 Thanks for the leg work, though I question how taking .004" out of the combustion chamber is raise compression by that much.

Id be lying to you if I didn't say I was shocked when those numbers popped up.

Like I said this is a complete guess (tried using a compression calculator and there are some measurements I just don't know sadly)
-.004" cut off head
-.004" cut off block
+.004" difference in head gaskets
-.020" cut from bore
.0035 piston to wall clearance
dry compression test
warm motor
yielded these:

[Tokay444]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 Same amount taken off the head too, but really all we know is natural compression is >210psi

And then added back with .004" thicker gasket...

[865ms3]

timing cover has had a small leak since i slapped the built motor in. ive been putting it off since its very minimal. looks like ill be giving cometic a call. Thanks for the leg work!

[SNOW_QN]

Nice. So does this mean cometic is producing these, or is that a one time thing? I'd be interested in both in the future.

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[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by SNOW_QN Nice. So does this mean cometic is producing these, or is that a one time thing? I'd be interested in both in the future. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

As far as I know it was a one time thing, although I can still get both gaskets. They are going in test car number two next week. I honestly have no idea if you guys can call and buy them. I was tossing around the idea of a group buy or something along those lines but I don't think I can sell anything technically since <150 posts.

What I will say is individual gaskets are pretty pricey, hence the idea of a group buy, but I don't know what I can get away with while following the rules here.

[SNOW_QN]

Have someone else start the group buy. I'm down to grab a set if someone starts a GB.

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[Tokay444]

You basically can't even mention the words, "group" and, "buy" in conjunction with each other.
Looking forward to a group buy though.

[SNOW_QN]

Lol... Does this mean someone is going to smack our pee-pees?

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[tastysi2004]

im down to run this. im about to rebuild my motor 3rd time for more boost so this will def help. if i call, cani metnion your name(pm me if you'd like) and they would hopefully know what im talking about.
if i call them and ask them for the head gasket, they should be able to make it with 1/2" holes for head studs right?
simple question but i can't call anyone at this time. @Tokay444; knows why i can't call.

[Tokay444]

Them top secret missions and all.

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by tastysi2004 im down to run this. im about to rebuild my motor 3rd time for more boost so this will def help. if i call, cani metnion your name(pm me if you'd like) and they would hopefully know what im talking about. if i call them and ask them for the head gasket, they should be able to make it with 1/2" holes for head studs right?

The gaskets can be made with any size head stud hole yes. id kinda prefer not handing out my name and having a dozen people order stuff with my name and them shipping gaskets all over the country.

[superman]

Nice work. Hopefully these will be made available to the rest of us in the near future.

sent from my ONEPLUS 2

[Realgib3]

Just in case anyone doubted the power this car is making on this gasket (not that anyone did). This is a 4-5 gear ~60-160, testing out some 8k+ rpm redlining.

https://youtu.be/ZttMZ8bmJUg

[ItsNox]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 Just in case anyone doubted the power this car is making on this gasket (not that anyone did). This is a 4-5 gear ~60-160, testing out some 8k+ rpm redlining. https://youtu.be/ZttMZ8bmJUg

Good shit! Is this a 5858 or 5862? LOVE that stretched out redline!

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by ItsNox Good shit! Is this a 5858 or 5862? LOVE that stretched out redline!

5862 and the car has a whole different feel going that high and the mph gain is also very nice

[Realgib3]

Originally Posted by HOCKEYNUBE 5862 and the car has a whole different feel going that high and the mph gain is also very nice

How many fucking times have I said 5858? I'm full retard today.

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 How many fucking times have I said 5858? I'm full retard today.

The tunes you send me even say 5858... This isn't an isolated incident.

[ItsNox]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 How many fucking times have I said 5858? I'm full retard now.

Originally Posted by HOCKEYNUBE The tunes you send me even say 5858... This isn't an isolated incident.

Fixed.

Side note but on topic - So many people could benefit from that timing cover gasket! We will all have to do our VVT at some point!

[Mauro_Penguin]

Yes yes, wonderful video. I think a NASA space shuttle launch is quieter than your damn exhaust.

Back to thread topic.....

If we call up the manufacturer and ask for one of these unicorn gaskets, will they actually know what is being referred? Or will they be as confused as you are about the 5862 turbo that's not in your car?

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by Mauro_Penguin Yes yes, wonderful video. I think a NASA space shuttle launch is quieter than your damn exhaust. Back to thread topic..... If we call up the manufacturer and ask for one of these unicorn gaskets, will they actually know what is being referred? Or will they be as confused as you are about the 5862 turbo that's not in your car?

Yes I know my exhaust is stupid loud... Damn CP-E triton sounded so good on the poopy turbo but so poopy on a good turbo

Anyways like I've said before I don't know if anyone can call up and buy one... But what I can tell you for sure is I can get them in any quantities at any time. I'm not selling them... I can buy them, send them to whoever, and you can just pay me back. Get it?

[Jarods7920]

This is pretty cool!

[sho]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 Just in case anyone doubted the power this car is making on this gasket (not that anyone did). This is a 4-5 gear ~60-160, testing out some 8k+ rpm redlining. https://youtu.be/ZttMZ8bmJUg

Good grief, excuse me while I go whore myself out on the corner to get fuel and a clutch so you can give my car this treatment (minus the 8krpm since genwon and not keyed/pinned)

[rangergt]

I can add to this, anyone can call and get this gasket.

I called Cometic, before this thread was started, I had no knowledge of this. I have a 2.3 duratec with Darton sleeves and well darton sleeves always recommends a Cometic head gasket. So not really liking anything on the market (I've used a few), I figured I would call and order one, since in some Darton sleeves applications the Cometic gasket is specific to the sleeve as far as cooling passages go.

So here is the basic conversation, I asked about a specific head gasket for darton sleeved duratec and he said no the standard one will work and then phone tech said wait, your engine is similar to the MZR, I said yes, he said we have a new gasket not in the catalogue, it has individual fire rings around the cylinders and has a better seal but can only be used with a max 88mm bore, I said perfect. make it for 1/2" studs. So I have one in my possession that will be going in that engine and as previously stated it does have deeper embosses and does look like an impressive piece, hell I'm banking on it. Thank you HOCKEYNUBE for the effort.

A few questions. I understand testing and R&D believe me and I`m not doubting anything you`ve done but I think a few more details are required. Headstuds? I`m guessing 10mm h11/l19. Also have you been to the dragstrip, sorry my attention span only lasts a 1/4 mile at a time. I understand street miles and the punishment we put our machines through as well as dyno testing but nothing is like the dragstrip (or road race, if that`s what you do).

[HOCKEYNUBE]

Originally Posted by rangergt I can add to this, anyone can call and get this gasket. I called Cometic, before this thread was started, I had no knowledge of this. I have a 2.3 duratec with Darton sleeves and well darton sleeves always recommends a Cometic head gasket. So not really liking anything on the market (I've used a few), I figured I would call and order one, since in some Darton sleeves applications the Cometic gasket is specific to the sleeve as far as cooling passages go. So here is the basic conversation, I asked about a specific head gasket for darton sleeved duratec and he said no the standard one will work and then phone tech said wait, your engine is similar to the MZR, I said yes, he said we have a new gasket not in the catalogue, it has individual fire rings around the cylinders and has a better seal but can only be used with a max 88mm bore, I said perfect. make it for 1/2" studs. So I have one in my possession that will be going in that engine and as previously stated it does have deeper embosses and does look like an impressive piece, hell I'm banking on it. Thank you HOCKEYNUBE for the effort. A few questions. I understand testing and R&D believe me and I`m not doubting anything you`ve done but I think a few more details are required. Headstuds? I`m guessing 10mm h11/l19. Also have you been to the dragstrip, sorry my attention span only lasts a 1/4 mile at a time. I understand street miles and the punishment we put our machines through as well as dyno testing but nothing is like the dragstrip (or road race, if that`s what you do).

She has never seen the Dyno, she's only seen one pass at the strip 12.4 @106... Couldn't get into 4th because cobbs no lift shift is a joke (solved this problem with a wot box) however I will be going back to the strip this Friday.

Yes 10mm L19/H11 head studs, also good to see you could get the gasket... I worked long and hard on coming up with a design haha.

My only fear is the coolant and oil passages being different than a MZR make sure all of them can flow and keep me updated, I'd like to see my baby work wonders for you cheers and good luck!!!

Originally Posted by sho Good grief, excuse me while I go whore myself out on the corner to get fuel and a clutch so you can give my car this treatment (minus the 8krpm since genwon and not keyed/pinned)

My 500+ whp meth set up will be for sale this winter and you know you'll be getting hooked up on price homie

[rangergt]

Nothing to worry about, I have the oil and water passage issue covered. The oil is no problem and the water only requires an 1/8" hole drilled into the deck of the head for each cylinder to accommodate the head gasket and coolant flow. May not even be required but I'll be safe rather than sorry, more coolant flow can never hurt

Although I've never had an issue with the timing cover and seal, a reusable gasket that saves time (on cleanup) is always a good thing. I'll have to get a few of those as well!

[tastysi2004]

awesome @rangergt;
well i should have a similar setup as yous and its great to hear more positive thigns from this gasket.

[SNOW_QN]

Soooo.... I want one of these head gaskets for my build. Who do I need to talk to, and what code word am using?

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[Tokay444]

Can you double the head gaskets up?

[SNOW_QN]

Originally Posted by Tokay444 Can you double the head gaskets up?

Add cheese, no onions?

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[Enki]

All we need now is an oil pan gasket...

Not really looking forward to trying to remove mine, since I used RightStuff when I did the BSD on my car originally. Gonna be a complete bitch for sure.

[Tokay444]

Originally Posted by SNOW_QN Add cheese, no onions? Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

All the onions. Raw and sautéed.

[SNOW_QN]

Originally Posted by Tokay444 All the onions. Raw and sautéed.

Mmmm.. Now I want me some five guys(the burgers, I promise).

On a more serious note, I want 2 of these head gaskets now. Gonna do a budget build short block, then gonna build the shit out of the motor I pull from the car.

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[Realgib3]

Originally Posted by rangergt A few questions. I understand testing and R&D believe me and I`m not doubting anything you`ve done but I think a few more details are required. Headstuds? I`m guessing 10mm h11/l19. Also have you been to the dragstrip, sorry my attention span only lasts a 1/4 mile at a time. I understand street miles and the punishment we put our machines through as well as dyno testing but nothing is like the dragstrip (or road race, if that`s what you do).

He actually was able to get to the track Friday and made ~10 passes, but here's the best one.

11.43@128

[rangergt]

Respectable time and the 128mph is 10 second power but it's not an easy task to accomplish.