Ok this is a branch off of my other post "B18B turbo build". I plan on running the following:

Stock ( Rebuilt and Machined) Head with a complete valve job done
Stock Block ( that has been honed and hot tanked)
SRP Pistons 8.5:1 or 9.0:1...not sure yet
Eagle Rods
Stock ( Polished Crank)
T3/T04E turbo

I plan to get to the 300-350hp range RELIABLY. What I am now wondering is what Head Gasket I should go with OEM or Cometic? Please leave an informing reply. If one is better than the other IYO then please state why. If it comes down to the cometic just not being cost/gain efficient then I will just go with it because I would rather have all reliability and longevity gains possible.
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I've read a lot of mixed opinions on this, some say OEM, some say Cometic. All say to be sure to use ARP Head Studs. I've seen quite a lot of setups with ARP studs with an OEM HG and they never pop. I think the biggest trick is the studs to prevent head lift. Headlift will pop a Cometic or OEM gasket.

 

I am using the ARP head studs, I knew I forgot to list something, lol

 

OEM can handle your 300-350 hp.

 

cool, thats good to know. Push come to shove if I have to get the OEM one I will. The thing is though, I am not really looking for what gets the job done, but which gets the job done the BEST.

 

cometic MLS (multi-layered steel) would be best for a boosted engine like yours. get a .040 gasket thickness. especially if you plan to have a stepped deck. i like a .002 stepped deck with boosted engines. and of course the ARP bolts or studs.

 

Either will work. I always used OEm w/ my 350whp LSV and arp head studs and never had an issue. The cometic will make compression a bit lower, but since your not going to run high boost i would keep the compression a bit higher for better turbo spool time and a few extra horses.

 

you have already lowered the compression via pistons, no need to lower compression further with the hg. go with an oem gasket, there are no real benefits to using cometic. i dont think one gasket can seal "better" than the other. either it works or it doesnt.

 

In addition use some "Honda Bond" or hyper silver silicone around the oil ports from the head to the block to prevent leaking....especially the vtec solenoid front side, leaks like a bitch on 95% of cars on the road.

Oh yea and run the 9:1 CR pistons, no need to go any lower.

 

Honda bond, 9.0:1 pistons, ... gotcha thx alot for the tips everyone.

 

Hmmm, this makes sense, thx

 

I'm running a wet float turbo too so this makes ALOT of sense, gotta have the spool :D