Which head gaskets are best?

AndreasM · September 22nd, 2010, 11:56 AM

Hi,

i'd like to ask you boosted guys what head gasket manufacturer is most recommended.

For now i have so called "Evergreen" head gaskets from an ebay-kit laying around, but one search for "Evergreen" on google already tells me more about the quality of those than i need.

So, i'm wondering. For now i'm considering OEM head gaskets, or those from topline or toga.

Tell me what you made your best experiences with.

mac1 · September 22nd, 2010, 12:27 PM

Yeah those ebay gaskets suck hard core, I've heard of people blowing them left and right, why dont you send them to me as I want to use them for templates on something. I'll give you $15 for both shipped. You should always use Felpro or Mazda, got to pay to play.

Is this what they look like http://mizumoauto.com/ebay/performan...015_image4.jpg

mattm · September 22nd, 2010, 02:00 PM

I have the mizumo auto headgaskets I don't see a problem with them. They are multy layered steel headgaskets just like stock and on the first rebuild I boosted 10 psi on them with a shitty tune that detonated and the headgaskets never blew.

maac0953 · September 22nd, 2010, 04:45 PM

i know they sell copper headgasket's but i dont feel like searching. that what i plan on using for my rebuild

mattm · September 22nd, 2010, 04:48 PM

You def want to use multi layered steel headgaskets. They can take TONS of abuse!

RigsPGT · September 22nd, 2010, 05:34 PM

I've got the El Cheapo head gaskets and have no issues with them. I think they were from Eristics or smth as i cant remember it any better but they came as a kit, minus the head bolts.. I'd use OEM for a serious build and cheapos for any other motor repair i swap in.

phatgt4me · September 22nd, 2010, 06:45 PM

one that doesnt leak.....

I'd say OEM

WhiteDart · September 22nd, 2010, 07:04 PM

Dead serious here: Prolly the only really reliable thing gasket wise to be purchased from ebay for the KL is the headgaskets. Eristic/evergreen headgaskets are perfectly fine! The rest of the gaskets suck but they somehow got the most important gasket right.
These are all that I have ever run. Well over a dozen motors i've assembled I have used the ebay head gaskets. I have not had a single headgasket failure. This includes my turbo ZE on 5 psi and my roomates (at the time) turbo ZE running 10-12+ psi.

One more time
EBAY HEADGASKETS ARE FINE!!!

mac1 · September 22nd, 2010, 07:37 PM

DAMNIT people i'm trying to get a deal on gaskets here, why couldn't all of you follow my sarcasm.

P-Zero · September 22nd, 2010, 07:44 PM

I use pretty much nothing other than Fel-Pro gaskets. Out of all of the engines I've assembled using them, I haven't had one failure.

As for boosted engines, depending on how high the boost gets, you might need the Fel-Pro Locwire gaskets.

mac1 · September 22nd, 2010, 07:46 PM

Once again:

Peice of mind < money left over (very important these days)

jasons96pgtze · September 22nd, 2010, 08:03 PM

while most headgaskets out here for our cars are probrably fine especially with arp head studs i prefer the MLS brand headgaskets over the rest.. You can get the full engine gasket kit on ebay for under a hundred bucks shipped

Franks96gts · October 12th, 2010, 10:12 PM

im also using the ebay mls full gasket set... i dont see a problem either.

deejayarse · October 14th, 2010, 11:16 PM

Has anyone actually blown a headgasket on our engines, just due to the fact it being oem? I have burnt my valves in 2 cylinders years ago and my headgaskets were just fine.

I'm just wondering. There was a time when I too thought about getting copper gaskets but I'm happy I didn't.

Mici

RigsPGT · October 17th, 2010, 11:22 AM

Out of 7 blown engines on mine (N/A+F/I) none had to do with head gaskets so i'd say thats not a weak spot. Rods/pistons and oiling is smth to focus on!

mac1 · October 17th, 2010, 11:38 AM

I blew a front stocker before, though want to know the funny thing. I replaced it with ebay MLS and I forgot the last torque sequence of an extra 90 degrees, I ran it like that for over a year overheating the whole time but managable with heater on, then when I moved to Arizona it got worse 100* weather so it was then I realized the bolts were loose. I put on a new ebay MLS and used the existing head and no warping as I have the proper tools to check, no rullers for me.

I drove it 500miles on my last trip before repairing it and I had to draft big rigs couple feet away to make it home as the temps were between normal and full red and still no warping !!!

Whitefinish · October 17th, 2010, 01:29 PM

How can it be that the felpro gasket is twice as expensive as the ebay mls ??

mac1 · October 17th, 2010, 10:50 PM

You would have to buy both and compare, chinese metal is cheaper to buy then American. That and the Pride American companies have that creates high prices. What's the difference between chinese stamped metal and American stamp sheet of metal? Seriously though if it were'nt for these $30/set gaskets I would not do all the builds I do, I litterly buy 5 sets at a time with local pick up, that's 10 gaskets for $100!!!

tdogg527 · October 19th, 2010, 05:29 PM

ok I need an answer quick. I am seeing the full MLS gasket set for 45 bucks shipped. Will I be ok using all the gaskets from this kit? cuz i was looking at 120 through ford... I really need two sets one for my 97 and one for kidd123's 96 PLZ help from what I have read ill be fine just wanting to make sure the VC gaskets and the IM gaskets are fine

Thanks
Trent

mac1 · October 19th, 2010, 06:37 PM

valve cover gaskets prolly wont last 75k miles like oem but who cares.

WhiteDart · October 19th, 2010, 06:56 PM

Ironically the only gaskets I use/trust from fleabay are the most important ones. Head gaskets. All the rubber gaskets i've tried from there fail fairly quickly. It must be the type of rubber they use because they work great for a short while but then they shrink and begin to leak. The valve seals are also teh suckage.

jasons96pgtze · October 19th, 2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deejayarse

Has anyone actually blown a headgasket on our engines, just due to the fact it being oem? I have burnt my valves in 2 cylinders years ago and my headgaskets were just fine.

I'm just wondering. There was a time when I too thought about getting copper gaskets but I'm happy I didn't.

Mici

I blew a headgasket once on my boosted pgt but it was because my thermostat stuck shut.. I was boosting and didnt realize the temp until it got up to around 250.. The headgasket didnt blow bad though.. It wasnt getting water in the oil it was getting oil the antifreeze.. Everytime i would start boosting hard it would blow a little oil into the water jackets in the block and get a lil oil in my antifreeze.. The gasket still lasted a few more months until i changed it though.. So id say our headgaskets are pretty good and even better with the arp head studs

mattm · October 19th, 2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteDart

Ironically the only gaskets I use/trust from fleabay are the most important ones. Head gaskets. All the rubber gaskets i've tried from there fail fairly quickly. It must be the type of rubber they use because they work great for a short while but then they shrink and begin to leak. The valve seals are also teh suckage.

Hmmmm.... That's wierd on the valve seals as they are listed as viton just like what every company uses that makes valve seals.. hmmm.....How long do you think the rubber gaskets will last?

WhiteDart · October 19th, 2010, 10:15 PM

I think the worst experience I had was with one of the Eristic labeled kits. After less than a month it was leaking from both valve covers, the disty o-ring, cam seals, valve cover grommets, slight seeping from the metal coolant tube that feeds the oil cooler, oil cooler o-ring, and billowing smoke on startup and decel (valve seals). Though the majority of kit was a total waste, the headgaskets were fine. A friend got the Mizuto (or whatever it was) kit and he wound up with the same problems.

I put about 110k of the 268k on my motor with OEM vcgs and Felpro valve seals and it was still perfect up until a few rod bearings let go. Cant argue with results like that.

When I eventually get around to rebuilding my original motor, it will be with all OEM rubber stuffs and ebay head gaskets.

September 22nd, 2010, 11:56 AM	#1
AndreasM Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 15	Which head gaskets are best? Hi, i'd like to ask you boosted guys what head gasket manufacturer is most recommended. For now i have so called "Evergreen" head gaskets from an ebay-kit laying around, but one search for "Evergreen" on google already tells me more about the quality of those than i need. So, i'm wondering. For now i'm considering OEM head gaskets, or those from topline or toga. Tell me what you made your best experiences with.

September 22nd, 2010, 12:27 PM	#2
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	Yeah those ebay gaskets suck hard core, I've heard of people blowing them left and right, why dont you send them to me as I want to use them for templates on something. I'll give you $15 for both shipped. You should always use Felpro or Mazda, got to pay to play. Is this what they look like http://mizumoauto.com/ebay/performan...015_image4.jpg __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by mac1; September 22nd, 2010 at 12:37 PM.

September 22nd, 2010, 02:00 PM	#3
mattm Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: harrisburg, pennsylvania Age: 33 Posts: 5,760	I have the mizumo auto headgaskets I don't see a problem with them. They are multy layered steel headgaskets just like stock and on the first rebuild I boosted 10 psi on them with a shitty tune that detonated and the headgaskets never blew. __________________ mods: Custom intake manifold, Water to Air Intercooler, jands safeguard, pacesetter headers, borlacatback, EATON M62 SUPERCHARGER,millenia s injectors, megasquirt, mx3 fly,ngk wires, Built engine with ze heads and cams,electric exhaust cutout, methanol injection, quaife lsd, and 9-10 psi. Old 160k mile engine dyno result: 245whp 227 ftlbs tq best de 1/4: 13.80 at 103.28mph with a 60' of 2.170 on 6psi. GONNA BE QUICKER SOON!

September 22nd, 2010, 04:45 PM	#4
maac0953 Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: orlando Age: 26 Posts: 1,319	i know they sell copper headgasket's but i dont feel like searching. that what i plan on using for my rebuild __________________ black 94 probe gt-on 5lbs boost - t3/t4 50trim dynoed at 210hp & 194 tq on fmu

September 22nd, 2010, 04:48 PM	#5
mattm Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: harrisburg, pennsylvania Age: 33 Posts: 5,760	You def want to use multi layered steel headgaskets. They can take TONS of abuse! __________________ mods: Custom intake manifold, Water to Air Intercooler, jands safeguard, pacesetter headers, borlacatback, EATON M62 SUPERCHARGER,millenia s injectors, megasquirt, mx3 fly,ngk wires, Built engine with ze heads and cams,electric exhaust cutout, methanol injection, quaife lsd, and 9-10 psi. Old 160k mile engine dyno result: 245whp 227 ftlbs tq best de 1/4: 13.80 at 103.28mph with a 60' of 2.170 on 6psi. GONNA BE QUICKER SOON!

September 22nd, 2010, 05:34 PM	#6
RigsPGT Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: PT territory and sunny FL Age: 37 Posts: 7,087	I've got the El Cheapo head gaskets and have no issues with them. I think they were from Eristics or smth as i cant remember it any better but they came as a kit, minus the head bolts.. I'd use OEM for a serious build and cheapos for any other motor repair i swap in. __________________ Rio Red 94PGT, T3T4E 50 trim @ 5.3psi 257whp & 245wtq on Mustang Dyno with a ported T3 60 trim @ 8.7psi. *Parted out!* 1998 Volvo S70, The Brick @127k miles 1999 Red Volvo S70 T5 The Red Devil, modded

September 22nd, 2010, 06:45 PM	#7
phatgt4me PT Know it All Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Bedford Mass Age: 32 Posts: 3,933	one that doesnt leak..... I'd say OEM __________________ 93 Probe GT Its not a PROBLEM. It's a PROBE LUM To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

September 22nd, 2010, 07:04 PM	#8
WhiteDart POC Mod Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boosting across east TN! Age: 32 Posts: 9,028	Dead serious here: Prolly the only really reliable thing gasket wise to be purchased from ebay for the KL is the headgaskets. Eristic/evergreen headgaskets are perfectly fine! The rest of the gaskets suck but they somehow got the most important gasket right. These are all that I have ever run. Well over a dozen motors i've assembled I have used the ebay head gaskets. I have not had a single headgasket failure. This includes my turbo ZE on 5 psi and my roomates (at the time) turbo ZE running 10-12+ psi. One more time EBAY HEADGASKETS ARE FINE!!! __________________ Jim K. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Gone but not forgotten: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Its not purple dammit! Its BOYSENBERRY! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. New project To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Daily When I go for a drive, I leave life behind. Friends, work, everything. Its just me, the car, and a twisty road. The exhilaration of being on the edge of catastrophe is something that I will never be able to give up. Last edited by WhiteDart; September 22nd, 2010 at 07:05 PM.

September 22nd, 2010, 07:37 PM	#9
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	DAMNIT people i'm trying to get a deal on gaskets here, why couldn't all of you follow my sarcasm. __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

September 22nd, 2010, 07:44 PM	#10
P-Zero Supercharged Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 41 Posts: 1,390	I use pretty much nothing other than Fel-Pro gaskets. Out of all of the engines I've assembled using them, I haven't had one failure. As for boosted engines, depending on how high the boost gets, you might need the Fel-Pro Locwire gaskets. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Sold. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

September 22nd, 2010, 07:46 PM	#11
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	Once again: Peice of mind < money left over (very important these days) __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

September 22nd, 2010, 08:03 PM	#12
jasons96pgtze Colt Cams BB Master Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,005	while most headgaskets out here for our cars are probrably fine especially with arp head studs i prefer the MLS brand headgaskets over the rest.. You can get the full engine gasket kit on ebay for under a hundred bucks shipped __________________ 1995 turbocharged pgt with countless mods.. check it out here To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 1993 turbocharged pgt daily driver check it out here.. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

October 12th, 2010, 10:12 PM	#13
Franks96gts Guest Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: butler, PA Posts: 19	im also using the ebay mls full gasket set... i dont see a problem either.

October 14th, 2010, 11:16 PM	#14
deejayarse Supercharged Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Arctic Circle Age: 39 Posts: 1,369	Has anyone actually blown a headgasket on our engines, just due to the fact it being oem? I have burnt my valves in 2 cylinders years ago and my headgaskets were just fine. I'm just wondering. There was a time when I too thought about getting copper gaskets but I'm happy I didn't. Mici __________________ Mazda MX-6 LS-T To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Audi TT-R 1.8TQ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Toyota MR2 Spyder To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Aprilia RSV1000RR Factory

October 17th, 2010, 11:22 AM	#15
RigsPGT Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: PT territory and sunny FL Age: 37 Posts: 7,087	Out of 7 blown engines on mine (N/A+F/I) none had to do with head gaskets so i'd say thats not a weak spot. Rods/pistons and oiling is smth to focus on! __________________ Rio Red 94PGT, T3T4E 50 trim @ 5.3psi 257whp & 245wtq on Mustang Dyno with a ported T3 60 trim @ 8.7psi. *Parted out!* 1998 Volvo S70, The Brick @127k miles 1999 Red Volvo S70 T5 The Red Devil, modded

October 17th, 2010, 11:38 AM	#16
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	I blew a front stocker before, though want to know the funny thing. I replaced it with ebay MLS and I forgot the last torque sequence of an extra 90 degrees, I ran it like that for over a year overheating the whole time but managable with heater on, then when I moved to Arizona it got worse 100* weather so it was then I realized the bolts were loose. I put on a new ebay MLS and used the existing head and no warping as I have the proper tools to check, no rullers for me. I drove it 500miles on my last trip before repairing it and I had to draft big rigs couple feet away to make it home as the temps were between normal and full red and still no warping !!! __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

October 17th, 2010, 01:29 PM	#17
Whitefinish Supercharged Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SanDiego & Netherlands Age: 30 Posts: 1,172	How can it be that the felpro gasket is twice as expensive as the ebay mls ?? __________________ Mazda Mx3- Panther black, Kosei 18", custom hood, cleaned, new pakfeifer front, customized pakfeifer rear KLZE highcompression, Pippercros Viper intake, kl31cams, MS1 v3, Aasco fly, CM st3 clutch, cai, ss headers, ground wirekit, srd bushings, msd window switches, nitrous

October 17th, 2010, 10:50 PM	#18
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	You would have to buy both and compare, chinese metal is cheaper to buy then American. That and the Pride American companies have that creates high prices. What's the difference between chinese stamped metal and American stamp sheet of metal? Seriously though if it were'nt for these $30/set gaskets I would not do all the builds I do, I litterly buy 5 sets at a time with local pick up, that's 10 gaskets for $100!!! __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by mac1; October 17th, 2010 at 10:54 PM.

October 19th, 2010, 05:29 PM	#19
tdogg527 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indiana Age: 22 Posts: 2,175	ok I need an answer quick. I am seeing the full MLS gasket set for 45 bucks shipped. Will I be ok using all the gaskets from this kit? cuz i was looking at 120 through ford... I really need two sets one for my 97 and one for kidd123's 96 PLZ help from what I have read ill be fine just wanting to make sure the VC gaskets and the IM gaskets are fine Thanks Trent __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 73k mile 93 PGTCold Air Intake, Pacesetter Headers, Pace Setter Monza Cat back, Resonated Test Pipe, EGR and VRIS delete *SOLD* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 1997 Gold PGT 85k miles Ebay headers, CAI 1998 Subaru Outback Limited AWD 5spd. Winter car

October 19th, 2010, 06:37 PM	#20
mac1 Probe financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,862	valve cover gaskets prolly wont last 75k miles like oem but who cares. __________________ 1993 Mercury Tracer : built KL and shit 1994 Mercury TrAcer Wagon : '02 SPI swap 2001 Hyundai Accent 2.0L swap : FrankenAccent? To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

October 19th, 2010, 06:56 PM	#21
WhiteDart POC Mod Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boosting across east TN! Age: 32 Posts: 9,028	Ironically the only gaskets I use/trust from fleabay are the most important ones. Head gaskets. All the rubber gaskets i've tried from there fail fairly quickly. It must be the type of rubber they use because they work great for a short while but then they shrink and begin to leak. The valve seals are also teh suckage. __________________ Jim K. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Gone but not forgotten: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Its not purple dammit! Its BOYSENBERRY! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. New project To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Daily When I go for a drive, I leave life behind. Friends, work, everything. Its just me, the car, and a twisty road. The exhilaration of being on the edge of catastrophe is something that I will never be able to give up.

October 19th, 2010, 10:15 PM	#24
WhiteDart POC Mod Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Boosting across east TN! Age: 32 Posts: 9,028	I think the worst experience I had was with one of the Eristic labeled kits. After less than a month it was leaking from both valve covers, the disty o-ring, cam seals, valve cover grommets, slight seeping from the metal coolant tube that feeds the oil cooler, oil cooler o-ring, and billowing smoke on startup and decel (valve seals). Though the majority of kit was a total waste, the headgaskets were fine. A friend got the Mizuto (or whatever it was) kit and he wound up with the same problems. I put about 110k of the 268k on my motor with OEM vcgs and Felpro valve seals and it was still perfect up until a few rod bearings let go. Cant argue with results like that. When I eventually get around to rebuilding my original motor, it will be with all OEM rubber stuffs and ebay head gaskets. __________________ Jim K. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Gone but not forgotten: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Its not purple dammit! Its BOYSENBERRY! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. New project To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Daily When I go for a drive, I leave life behind. Friends, work, everything. Its just me, the car, and a twisty road. The exhilaration of being on the edge of catastrophe is something that I will never be able to give up.