headgasket retorque

[forcefed3.8's]

I am running 85 steel shim headgaskets that are leaking under high boost/high rpms. They are sealed up under normal conditions up to 20 psi. I am running new ARP studs and I never retorqued them. Will a retorque help me, or should I replace the gaskets?

 

[turbofabricator]

Try the re-torque, first. Then if that doesn't work, install a set of Fel-Pro 9441-pt headgaskets, then tune the motor right, and it'll last for a LONG time.

 

[forcefed3.8's]

The tune is fine. I am only running 22lbs, and have only had 2° of knock going down the track, with the lowest O2's were in the 760's. They just started leaking and causing a high rpm pop that got worse and worse. I also had extra coolant in the overflow after a run. They don't leak any other time.

 

[GNTIM]

I would try a re-tourque. Those gaskets work great with sealant and a re-tourque after break in. Mine have been in place for 3 years with some different high knock situations for different reasons and no problems.

 

[forcefed3.8's]

Cool. I will try it. Now the only problem is the stock tranny is starting to slip. It is going off to Janis in the next few weeks.

 

[fritz]

steel gaskets

where can i find the steel shim headgaskets

 

[Dr.drivability]

Head gaskets

where can i find the steel shim headgaskets

RJC Racing is where I bought my kit

 

[RUQWKNF27]

what ft lbs do you retorque them too????

 

[RUQWKNF27]

Haven't you got to remove the headers to retorque the head studs?

 

[Boost231]

not sure on the retorque specs but yes you have to remove the headers to retorque

 

[Dr.drivability]

retorque

Just went out to the garage to take a look and I don't see why you would need to remove the headers to retorque. I'm doing mine tommorow night. I run ported stock headers. RJC says 85lbs

 

[RUQWKNF27]

You have to remove cause to get to the nuts on the studs the primarys are in the way. There is no way you ca get to the back of the heads from what I can see with out getttign them outta the way. Which "sucks"!

 

[forcefed3.8's]

You can retorque with the headers on. I retorqued the heads, and it caused the gaskets to leak worse. I pulled it apart, and the heads were warped. I had them milled, and .006 took care of it. It is going back together today. The underside of the gaskets were black from leaking combustion.

 

[Boost231]

i guess it depends on what headers you run. i know for a fact i cant retorque my heads without taking them off and my friend has the same problem on his car. its a pain in the ass

 

[RUQWKNF27]

It just does not seem like you can get a socket on there witht he stk header flange sticking up!