I just orded a set from my local nissan dealer......$32.00 per gasket and no shipping costs!

 

I think the key point here is not if L19 will provide more clamping force, but will that clamping force be applied evenly, consistantly, over the life of the engine. I think the TTY alternitive is a great way to garentee consistant clamping pressure.

The main difference and the reason why you cant compare the VQ to other platforms is that people never re-torque studs after heat cycles. I think it may be a reason why we get inconsistant resaults across all builds. I think the key here is preparation and expert installation of the head studs. I think it is a critical factor.

With hondas, we dont even get an L19 option. Standard arps have been used for upto 40psi of boost. Reliable as hell. Full alluminium open deck. But a recommend practice is a copper (spray) coated OEM gasket. I remmber the first headgasket i ever replaced, i used an aftermarket OEM style. Fresh ARP studs. That thing didnt even last the end of the street, instance head lift. Next time around i used a OEM gasket and copper coated it. Reused and aded a few more ft-lbs of torque to the ARPs. IT didnt headlift until i had holes in the pistons.

 

Wow, I can't believe I have missed this thread.

I have been planning on going the same route, HR Gaskets, Headstuds and even Mainstuds. I was turned onto the HR gaskets after being told about them by theHawk408. I also talked to Sharif who informed me he was working on a car with this proposed setup. It's good to know it is holding the power without a sweat. Would love to see some long term results in a couple months. Congrats.

 

thanks OP for this very informative thread!

 

I just picked up my HR head gaskets from the dealer. they are triple layer gaskets, with the middle layer only going around the cylinder perimeters. I assume that it makes for a higher pressure seal than the previous DE design.

 

Here's what the HR gaskets look like. I noticed that they have small holes in the inner portions (intake side of the cylinder) of the gasket..one of which is located where the old "water hole" was previously located.

 

Yes, as you can see the coolant flow is redirected to the exhaust ports to aid in cooling that portion of the heads... And that middle layer is a fire ring preloader that aids in sealing the combustion chambers under elevated cyl. psi.

Just another update, 4000 miles later and still no signs of head lift and no air in the cooling system. I have done several 3-4-5 gear pulls and now that it is hot outside my coolant temps still never get above 195 while the car is moving and 210 while sitting in traffic.

 

210 is kind of high isn't it? I usually see 96C in traffic.. No oil cooler either..

 

that's only 6 degrees off from yours

 

not even close! my 08 stock 4 banger toyota truck runs about 193 with ac on.

 

car looks badass i love that bumper and with a blacked out fmic looks sick

 

just read this whole thread great read thanks for all the info

 

bump car is still running fine? No signs of headlift? Im thinking HR headstuds and bolts are the way to go just asking to back up my thinking

 

The car has been running great as far as the internals of the engine are concerned... I had a upper radiator hose get torn open somehow, and no it was not head lift... and the Crawford plenum finally cracked (lie everyone else's) and had to have it re-welded.

But as far as head lift or cooling is concerned I have had absolutely zero issues, the motor has just under 9000 miles on it now and I leave the boost controller at 19psi all the time (626whp on DD). So this is being tested at my max power level on a daily basis, made it through the first season without a hitch, and I would expect nothing to develop at these power levels in regards to the head gaskets or head bolts.

 

Great to hear your car is doing well Joe.

 

This is good to hear. Nothing going wrong at a fraction of the price.

 

Cant wait to get up there next week and give your car a well deserved raping. LOL

 

Good to hear Mad Scientist....You said the Plenum cracked. I take it because you said you had it welded you are not talking about the caps....where exactly did it crack??

 

He said it was a Crawford plenum... no caps... You might be thinking about the Cosworth.

I remember because I have a Crawford and I want a Cosworth... Like everyone else here, I suppose...

 

Thanks for that correction....I saw Luie post and i know that he had a Cosworth too.... I just assumed that Joe had the Cosworth also.