Hal, there have been different varieties fo stock headgaskets. The early gaskets were only a 2 layer MLS gasket. When the revups came out, Nissan switched to a 3layer MLS gasket, and now the new HR gaskets have a revised coolant flow (priority to cooling off the exhaust ports) with a revised 3 Layer MLS gasket (basically the middle layer is desined to seal off the combustion chamber better than the other designs. I think the early gaskets are the ones that people have had issues with. the later revup and HR gaskets are supposed to be significant improvemnts.

 

I used the stock revup on 19psi/greddy. Did fine and never had an issue. Switched to the HR gasket, but car isnt up and running yet.

 

I believe the main culprit was lack of sufficient clamping force...back in the day. Once we switched to L19's and 90-95ft/lbs all the head gasket issues went away. This is what makes it so hard, to determine what head gasket is better than another.

 

1/2" studs Tq's to 80+ft/lbs IIRC

This set-up failed

Time will tell on the current set-up

Sleeved, HKS HG, 1/2" studs (same as before) - different builder, I have more faith this time around.

 

would it make any difference to use a rev-up gasket on a non rev-up DE? I guess you might as well go aftermarket if you are replacing it.

 

The gasket isn't the problem, the motor/builder is.

 

Do you know how many ft/lbs they are torqued to this time around?

 

I had headlift with the stock or cometic [ cant remember ] and trq.ed to stock spec.'s . This was at 14 psi . I since went to the HKS gaskets and L19's at 90lb's of trq. and had the Vortech up to 19psi before taking it off . Saw NO signs at all as before . Glad to hear every one else with the same results . When ever I get the car F/I again I can feel safe about it .

THANKS GUYS !

 

We should put this into perspective...maybe a poll?

HKS headgaskets:
1) As good as OEM
2) Worse them OEM
3) Marginally better than OEM
4) MUCH better than OEM
5) other criteria?

I think this would be very useful especially since i am pricing out my build. I don't mind paying as long as what i get is good and WORTH it.

 

Do whatever your installing feels is right.

 

NO!

I will only now do what my installer KNOWS is right and I KNOW to be right as well.

Measure twice...cut once

 

Dont flatter yourself. I couldnt give a **** what you do. I am my own installer and I KNOW (feel, same damn difference) that the HKS is a waste of money. Thats MHO. Your engine, so build it how you like.

 

I say you should know because it is foolish not to know what is right for your car and go off what you 'feel.' Trust me, I know. Feel is not the same...how many people here felt they were doing the right thing instead of knowing the right thing and it caused them problems? The exception is, there must be a first for everything, they have to go on feeling and hope for the best...there is no other choice.

 

sup tyler, are you how close are you to runing 30 psi on those borg W turbos

 

Just stop.

 

PMed

 

I'm keeping a eye on this thread, their is a lot of good info being put out.

 

I wouldn't say HKS is a "waste of money" .What it comes down to in the end is the seal. If it's not tq'd properly, not cleaned properly, poor finish on the surfaces, etc ANY headgasket will fail. This of course is within reason and an upgrade in materials can always be a benefit from some of the older stock gaskets for the VQ's (03 mainly)

 

Of course it has alot to do with the prep of the head surface . But Im thinking it has more to do with clamping force than anything else if you get head lift or not .

 

Agreed. But I don't think "clamping force" is really the right way to say what I think you're trying to describe. It's more of an issue of tensile elasticity.