I am going to be purchasing either a Drag 3 or custom kit for my Type R within the next 2 months.. I do not have enough money to fully build my bottom end at the moment, but would like to get the turbo in there soon.. My question is:

Would it be safe enough to run 8lbs of boost maximum on a 9.5:1 compression headgasket? Or will it blow?

 

9.5:1 should be fine with 8psi if it is tuned.

 

The question is how thick is your head gasket. They say 9.5:1? measure it.

 

Do you know of any formulas to calculate the compression with a thicker headgasket? I am interested in verifying what compression my HKS headgasket gives me.

 

yes, I would go with pistons if you have the money available. But if you are doing pistons, you might as well do the rods and possibly sleeve it.