All Interested In Copper Head Gaskets
04-09-2003, 04:46 PM
#1
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All Interested In Copper Head Gaskets
I spoke a while ago about having SCE make copper head gaskets, after a long wait they are in production! They will be finished either Friday or Monday.
They are as close to OEM as possible. The pricing is $100.
They have produced eight sets if anyone is interested.
They are as close to OEM as possible. The pricing is $100.
They have produced eight sets if anyone is interested.
04-10-2003, 12:37 PM
#7
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Originally posted by MAXIN
[noob]how long should it take to swap head gaskets and how hard is it?[/noob]
[noob]how long should it take to swap head gaskets and how hard is it?[/noob]
04-12-2003, 07:26 AM
#11
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 408
Most people racing domestic V8's running tons of boost or nitrous use copper head gaskets AND groove the block around the cylinders for wire. The wire is set into the grooves, then the copper gasket is laid down on top. The wire presses into the copper, producing a VERY tight seal. It's called 'O-ringing' the block.
However, water leaks are more of a problem with copper gaskets, so the gasket needs to be thoroughly cleaned with solvent, then sprayed with a few coats of copper 'spray-a-gasket'. After it starts to get dry and tacky, install the gasket onto the block, then install the head. Water leaks are PITA with copper.
Anyone considering copper gaskets and/or O-ringing should search the internet for information on doing it right... as it would SUCK to have to re-do the job on a Maxima if they started leaking!
Here's a place to start...
http://www.fast-eddys.com/openbb/rea...print&TID=1500
Good Luck!
However, water leaks are more of a problem with copper gaskets, so the gasket needs to be thoroughly cleaned with solvent, then sprayed with a few coats of copper 'spray-a-gasket'. After it starts to get dry and tacky, install the gasket onto the block, then install the head. Water leaks are PITA with copper.
Anyone considering copper gaskets and/or O-ringing should search the internet for information on doing it right... as it would SUCK to have to re-do the job on a Maxima if they started leaking!
Here's a place to start...
http://www.fast-eddys.com/openbb/rea...print&TID=1500
Good Luck!
04-12-2003, 09:05 AM
#12
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Posts: 268
Originally posted by MardiGrasMax
for VQ30 or VQ35
for VQ30 or VQ35
VQ30
The O-ringing the block is a debateable issue. It'll all depends on the clamping force of the head to block.
Most V-8 do not need to O-ring the block. I have spoken with SCE and the belive that we should be ok without O-ringing the block.
If everyone would prefer it I can have SCE create an O-ring kit that should be under $20.
05-21-2003, 10:38 AM
#34
He said most of it right there. Copper gaskets are not advised for street use. They will leak. And honestly who in here has ever blown the stock gastkets and how many VQ's have you seen on the road blowing blue smoke because of blown gaskets? They will handle more power than the rods will. And the softer copper isn't going to make the deck any stronger. If you're really worried about the deck strength you should have a cap made or have it welded up then deck and hone the block. And even if you get them, many of you don't know how much of a PITA you're asking fo to put them on. To remove the heads you must first have the entire front cover removed and the front cam journal cap. To remove the front cover you must have the bottom cover removed. To remove the bottom cover you must have the transmission removed.
I just don't see that such a thing is needed, especially if most people aren't even approacing the hp levels needed to even think about new head gaskets. Save your money and put it somewhere else that will be of good use like rods or pistons or a deck cap.
Just my .02
I just don't see that such a thing is needed, especially if most people aren't even approacing the hp levels needed to even think about new head gaskets. Save your money and put it somewhere else that will be of good use like rods or pistons or a deck cap.
Just my .02
05-21-2003, 10:48 AM
#35
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I can understand where you say the power levels now may not warrant the use of copper head gaskets. On the other hand though how many of us a year ago thought that there would be a maxima running 11.9's? There seem to be many big changes with the power of the 4th gens. More and more people are building engines. I'm sure we will see people begin to push 400-500 HP.
I do not see where you are coming from with the comment of saying that they are not for street use. As I said before the clamping force should be enough to create a good seal and if you are worried you can all ways O-ring the block.
I do not see where you are coming from with the comment of saying that they are not for street use. As I said before the clamping force should be enough to create a good seal and if you are worried you can all ways O-ring the block.
05-21-2003, 04:09 PM
#38
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Originally posted by MadMax95
Valid arguments.
The head studs sound like a better option.
Valid arguments.
The head studs sound like a better option.
ARP can make the head studs, they have made them for custom applications before. I have the number of someone helpful there if you need it.
05-21-2003, 04:40 PM
#39
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 408
The hottest gaskets going right now are from a company by the name of Cometic. They have produced motorcycle gaskets for years, but have recently come out with automotive applications. Their best products are their head gaskets. They have a MLS (multi layer steel) unit that is made from layers of spring steel... and is practically bulletproof. It is used by the biggest names in racing.
Combine these with a set of ARP head studs (best in the business) and you'll be in business.
http://www.cometic.com
http://www.arp-bolts.com
Here's some good head gasket tech.
http://www.krcperformance.com/newcontent/gasketfaq.html
Good Luck!
Combine these with a set of ARP head studs (best in the business) and you'll be in business.
http://www.cometic.com
http://www.arp-bolts.com
Here's some good head gasket tech.
http://www.krcperformance.com/newcontent/gasketfaq.html
Good Luck!
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