Thread: Headgasket info thread

I have searched and the info is pretty spread out so maybe this thread will help update this info for the future

I am sad to announce that my boosted nx has blown the headgasket.I am not 100% sure what caused it just yet,but thats for another thread

The engine is a stock 99 lowport DE and I am planning to do this repair myself due to funds and not wanting anyone else to work on my car.
It will be my first HG repair on any engine,but I am sure I can handle it....I am just looking at my options and for any advice that may help make this a successful repair.

First off is Headgasket itself....whats the recommendation here?
I am relying on what I have read here so far and any help from the GURUS here will be much appreciated.
I have searched alot and it seems the concensus is to use a Graphite stock style gasket if the surfaces arent 100% perfectly smooth as it will somewhat conform.Since my engine is still in the car,I wont be having the block resurfaced.,so that seems like the best option.
That begs the question of whether to use OEM Nissan or is there another graphite type gasket that would be better,or hold up better?
...or should I still consider a VET or other metal HG even though the block wont be decked and take a chance?

Next question is regarding head studs. There are recommendations from reusing the OEM ones to ARP, Mazworx,Golden Eagle Etc. studs at the top of the heap.
The car is a daily driver type setup so less than 300whp.Although ,I would like to get it to around 400whp at high boost eventually .
That being said,please post recommendations and opinions/experiences.
I am not trying to build a racecar that will be beat on constantly,but I want it to take a good bit of abuse on the street and still hold together for a while if possible.
So the goal is to put it back together relatively cheap,but also upgrade it as needed to make it stronger if possible.
By relatively cheap,I mean I dont want to cut corners,but I dont want to go overboard either.
Thanks in advance

I'd go with this gasket probably for a DE: OEM head gasket, SR20 FWD 11044-79E13

As far as the APR head studs go.. it seems to me that it's hit or miss. I've read horror stories about them and also very good things about them for our engines and others. When my headgasket blew in my VVL I went with the G-Spec gasket (for the VE) and OEM head studs straight from the Nissan dealer. Worked great and then didn't have to worry about the APR issues that people are always talking about.

If you have the money you can always get the Cometic gasket but it's 3X the price. And not having the block resurfaced could possibly be a bad idea.. I'd personally do it since you have to take everything apart anyway, but you can prob get away with it

Thanks for the reply!...engine is in the car so resurfacing it at a machine shop is not an option.

Just clean it up really good and throw a VET head gasket ($75) and ARP head studs ($140). Good until the rods bend... Both are reusable after you pop the engine too

what about the VET HG being metal.I have read that there could be sealing issues with metal if both surfaces arent perfect.In my case the engine block is staying in the car to do this repair.

I would just go with stock head bolts if it was me. Measure yours or get new ones.

If its good enough for these guys, should be fine for a normal setup.

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3338/PageID/7203/The-Heart-of-a-Record-Breaker-III-Completing-the-VVL-Head-Swap-and-Engine-Assembly.aspx

I have used 3 VET gaskets on un machined heads and never had a problem. They were all good running engines with no issues. Now if you have overheated or have a warped head nothing is going to seal...

vet gasket without a doubt the stock non metal gasket is crap if you have it apart upgrade it and throw in some mazworx studs

For my spare DE/VE-t Hybrid I'm building I went with a VET HG and OEM bolts. At $40 for the whole set you cant go wrong if you're not trying to go over 400+ hp.
just my .02 but for re-usability and long run investment, you'll be right to get maxworx or ARP.

Jay,

VET headgasket with Mazworx headstuds.... End of story.