Head Gasket Options for high boost...

[Pwnm30rdi3]

With my engine rebuild slowly coming along...
What should I do about my head gaskets?
I've been reading that stock fresh head gaskets and studs will not safely hold 40-50psi until they have been "aged".
What other options do I have? Fire Ring Head Gaskets are super pricey... Would much rather spend the money elsewhere...

Trucks mods:
250/100 injectors
BDP modded H2E
910 Springs
DI PushRods
Mahle pistons (machined bowls)
Forged OEM pistons??
E-Fuel (Obviously )
T-500 HPOP

Looking for 500hp - 575hp
Thanks again guys!

[Jrz13]

Well since your building a the engine from the ground up Id recommend ARP hardware in all your critical areas. It gets a lil pricey but youll get good longevity from the motor. If your going to be pushing 50-60psi you might want to go with a multi layered steel head gasket.

[codyryan07]

We have about the same build list and I was curious about the head gaskets and oem forged rods too.. I'll probably end up getting the fire rings or something along those lines but im interested in hearing answers as well.

[Pwnm30rdi3]

Originally Posted by codyryan07

We have about the same build list and I was curious about the head gaskets and oem forged rods too.. I'll probably end up getting the fire rings or something along those lines but im interested in hearing answers as well.

Fire Rings are the way to go, I guess. Just expensive!
Also!
From what I have been reading. Cryogenically treated forged rods have handled over 600hp and should hold up just fine, but in some cases a weak rod will break due to inconsistent casting.

I think I might just bite the bullet and go with a set of billet rods. I think it might be worth the extra peace of mind...

[Im_Strokin_ur_Cummins]

How much boost are you looking to push? A stock head gasket is good up to 60psi

[codyryan07]

Originally Posted by Pwnm30rdi3

Fire Rings are the way to go, I guess. Just expensive!
Also!
From what I have been reading. Cryogenically treated forged rods have handled over 600hp and should hold up just fine, but in some cases a weak rod will break due to inconsistent casting.

I think I might just bite the bullet and go with a set of billet rods. I think it might be worth the extra peace of mind...

those billet rods are super expensive though, but I do agree with you, that extra piece of mind may be worth it.. i'd rather pay for em once then have to pay twice to fix it again lol

[Pwnm30rdi3]

Originally Posted by Im_Strokin_ur_Cummins

How much boost are you looking to push? A stock head gasket is good up to 60psi

I'll be pushing anywhere from 50-60PSI, I assume.

Since I'm rebuilding the engine I had to pull off the heads. Therefor separating the head from the gasket.

From what I understand a fresh stock head gasket wont even hold 40PSI until it is bonded to the head. It takes about 25,000 miles of heat cycling for the head to bond with the gasket. Once bonded it would be able to handle 60PSI or so.

I just really don't want to wait 25,000+ miles for the stock gasket to bond! Ya know?

Originally Posted by codyryan07

those billet rods are super expensive though, but I do agree with you, that extra piece of mind may be worth it.. i'd rather pay for em once then have to pay twice to fix it again lol

You got it! I really don't have the money for the billet rods but I know it's worth it...

[Tj Krawler]

I remember seeing head gaskets on Swamps site. I believe they were Fel-Pro and said they were good to 80 PSI with proper supporting mods. Not sure if they are the same Fel-Pro gaskets you can get at Napa or if they were slightly different. Also read some good things about Cometic gaskets.

Remember that with fire ringed heads the head/block need to be machined perfectly and re-torqued. They also don't always hold up well for a DD.


There's are quite a few that run at 60 PSI+ boost with OEM gaskets and ARP's.