head gasket options / opinions

[Joekapp]

Hello all, I'm looking for the best head gasket for my set up. If I recal it a 2.0 bored .020 over 85.5 if I'm not mistaken on 9.3.1 compression pistons. I'm looking for a good gasket that will allow in the neighborhood of 500hp. I've looked up a few but cannot seem to get one to fit my measurements and needs for the mods I'm building. So opinions and thoughts would be awesome!

thanks MWE team!

[SMP3000]

Subscribing for good info... From what I know (which isn't much and gets worse everyday)- I'd say the stock headgasket would do just fine, but then again I could be wrong.

[silverbullet2010]

Ive been told oem is the way to go. There 50-60 bucks from what i have seen.

[fixem2@ATK]

If you research most of the major engine builds by AMS, Buschur, STM, etc.... majority are using the stock MLS Headgasket.

[Joekapp]

lol what does MLS mean? haha Yeah I think that may be what i go with. I just wanna make sure it's the proper measurements for the bore

[fixem2@ATK]

Sorry MLS = Multi-layered Steel

[Joekapp]

I seeeee. yeah I will probably just go with stock. Anyone know where they can be found for the specific measurements?

[DrewPinoy85]

Per Chris stock gasket is 86mm so you should be good as is, that's what I'll be using in my build with .020"/.5mm overbore too.

[Boost Addict]

Personally I think the stock gasket sucks. I think I will be changing mine next time also in that time upgrading the arp I have to the better newer thing.

[Joekapp]

I've been suggested to get the stock head gasket. Is there a difference between like the cometic metal head gasket and the stock MLS head gasket? The metal ones are kinda pricey but if it's worth it I'd rather pay for piece of mind and knowing that the head gasket is not going to go. Also another question. If the stock HG is a recommendation how come they are always cracking and going bad? It seems that's a common problem with evo 8's. Just curious.

[Chris]

The oem one is the best for what you need just buy the oem gasket set it comes with it. Its not the gasket that fails its the installer that fails. You can put an expensive head gasket on a untrue head/block and have the same issue you would with the oem.

The last two evos I build used oem gaskets and both made over 500whp. I didnt use an oem one on mine because of the 87mm bore.

[Joekapp]

sweet! thanks for the additional info. I have all gaskets except for the head gasket. So an OEM 2.0 size will be good with the overbore?

[Chris]

You bought all the gaskets separately? The entire gasket set for overhaul is under 300 from the dealer. Yes the oem gasket will be fine for your half mm overbore.

[WrongWheelDrive]

+1

If it makes you feel any better I'm on stock OEM MLS gasket and L19 headstuds for over 2 years on 40+psi.... No issues thus far(knock on wood)


Cometics are a pile of junk..fyi

[Boost Inspired]

Stock mitsu 4 layer > all

[Built 4G63]

OEM gasket is just more "tolerant" than the Cometic's.

The Cometic gasket demands an RA > 30 and a lot of machine shops don't have the proper tooling to get this type of surface finish on the block/ cylinder head.

With that being said - I have used both Cometic and OE with good success.

Cosworth and PE always nice choices as well if budget allows, however the OEM EVO HG is a bargain in my book!

[Joekapp]

thanks all, this is all really good info. yeah I really didn't know what gaskets I would need until I started buying them and realizing the stock HG would work I had already purchased the intake/ex gaskets.

[Chris]

You need a lot more gaskets than just those two to put an engine together. Just buy the engine rebuilt gasket kit. Its under 300 from the dealer. Dont cheap out and not replace all the seals and gaskets you will be sorry.

[Joekapp]

when I purchased my oil pump it came with the gasket and most of those I've already purchased like the valve cover gasket, the timing component gaskets which I got with my timing package. I haven't purchased the little ones though like the return gaskets which I'll just have to pick up later. I would buy the gasket kit if I hadn't received the majority with the parts I purchased but I will be getting the rest of the gaskets needed, no cheaping out here cause I can't afford issues down the road.

most of the seals though I don't have and will need to pick up with the time comes.

i need oil

[wheatley]

I run only oem mitsu MLS, no issue at 43 psi on a 6262

I will be running a mitsu gasket for my LR 2.4 as well.

[Joekapp]

Nice! Yeah I purchased the stock mitsu mls Gasket. Can't beat 64.99