So, I'm transforming my NA D16y8 build into a mid boost build this summer... I don't wanna tear apart the bottom end, so I'll be keeping my SRP forged dish-top pistons. They are advertised to make for 10.5:1 compression on an otherwise stock motor, but compression calculators consistently tell me they will actually yield less.

Anyway, in order to get my compression down to boostable levels, I'll need a significantly thicker than stock head gasket. Right now, I'm looking at a 0.065" Cometic head gasket; that should bring me down to 9.5:1, which is just where I want to be (don't try convincing me I can run 30psi on 13:1 cr with pump gas on a "good tune"... I know what my goals are and I know where I want my compression to be).

I'm just wondering if I'll have any issues using a 0.065" head gasket on a motor with an oem spec of 0.037". Will I have issues with my timing belt? Will I be more likely to blow the head gasket? The motor will produce about 300whp, staying around 10-12psi.

P.S. Don't just tell me "TUNE! TUNE! TUNE!" That's not at all what I'm looking for here. I know I'll need a tune, or I wouldn't have started this project in the first place.

 

I run a .065 on a B-Series, not really relevant but no headgasket or timing belt issues. I dont think many will chime in with real world experiences on this size gasket, as I dont think its a common thickness.

The gasket thickness does have me when I go back for a re-tune this winter at 30+psi, guess I will know for sure then.

 

Yeah, sounds like I'll be fine... I don't know what specific motor you have, but I'm guessing your oem head gasket is around 0.029", which is even thinner than mine. If anyone else would like to give their input here, feel free.

 

Anyone know if there's an absolute "limit" to how thick of a head gasket I could/should use? I could even opt for the 0.074" cometic head gasket... would that be unwise?

 

Moderators: Can you please move this to Tech/Misc? It doesn't look like I'm getting much help here...