I was just wondering, as i haven't seen it much on the forum (search didn't return much), but what kind of gains would I see from a thicker head gasket.

I'd like to boost the vq35 and I know that stock internals don't allow for much boost, but would a simple thicker head gasket do the trick, like they do on so many other NA->turbo conversion engines out there.
Thanks.

ps: I know I should be doing it right from the start, but you know how it is..

 

How much boost are you planning on running?

 

There is so much labor involved in getting the head gaskets off that you pretty much have the whole motor apart and out of the car. So, i would just run low boost till you can afford to build the engine since it will already be apart.

 

The stock engine internals are the main issue...not the compression ratio/head gasket.

 

i do understand that engine internals are usually the problem when going from NA to turbo, but lowering the engine's compression ratio would allow for slightly more boost to be ran and perhaps allow for a safer ~450HP?
Also it would probably be a lil bit more forgiving on your average tune and help minimize detonation.

I'd like to be in the 400/450whp area, which I know some members have achieved on a stock motor. I was just hoping the thicker head gasket/lowered compression would provide an extra safety prior to blowing the motor up, but it's true that the head gasket install might be more of a pita than it's really worth.

Thanks to all that took the time to reply

 

Yeah I would just keep it at a conservative boost pressure and get a good tune.

 

Tecknix it takes a while to get to the headgaskets and your really better off pulling the engine to do it. I would just run low boost until you can afford forged pistons and rods.