All,

Could someone educate me... why are pistons better than a headgasket for lowering the compression? Is it risky to use a head gasket for lowering compression (for turbo applications)?

Thanks,
Jon

 

You can only do so much with a head gasket (maybe drops compression 0.4 or so), whereas with replacement pistons a turbo-pleasing 9:1 is easily obtained (vs. maybe 10.2 : 1 with only a gasket change, the gasket being about twice normal thickness).

The reason people opt for just doing the head gasket only, is that it's MUCH cheaper than having to re-do a block for fresh pistons and rods.

 

stock pistons arent' forged and can't hold the boost.

 

Well I guess that should settle it.

 

heard they could hold low boost (6lbs).

jon

 

and also you could go with a more desirable flattop design piston..