Ok, so I put about 2000 miles on my 5.0 cobra engine swap and it has blown a head gasket. The engine was used and stock with 89k on it. So no big surprise that it popped a seeing as its boosted. My plan is to change the gaskets this week with a kit from mustangs unlimited. The kit includes a pair of graphite head gaskets and new torque to yield head bolts. I want to do the job with the motor in the car, so I want to use a gasket that doesn't require any high RA ratings. Does this sound like a good choice?
I would say with boost get a MLS gasket and be done
That requires me to strip the block and heads and have them machined for a hi RA rating. I was hoping not to do all that. I have a track day in two weeks.
This is the kit I was thinking of getting. They have it at mustangs unlimited right down the street from where I work on the car.
http://www.cjponyparts.com/engine-gasket-kit-high-performance-5-0l/p/M6051A50/ (http://"http://www.cjponyparts.com/engine-gasket-kit-high-performance-5-0l/p/M6051A50/")
It says they can be used with a SC and its a good price try'em
I would us ARP head studs with a boosted 5.0 engine...
Lots of people swear by felpro 9333pt1
Travis
yea I was going to suggest studs also
Is it ok to use the arp studs with the graphite gasket? I ask because when I see them for sale, they always either come with torque to yield bolts or they say "torque to yield bolts are required".
Go with the felpros and studs should be good for your event if you don't run it to much. Retorque heads after first run up. I usually go 15 to 20 pounds more torque than factory specs. Welcome to the world or boost my friend. Always bring a spare set of heads gaskets with you if you are running at events all the time. I have done one in a parking lot before. I don't have experience with graphite gaskets so I can't comment there not sure if machining is required, the felpros are a good choice if machining is not an option. The next size thicker gasket might be an idea too if this is becoming a problem. I take it you didn't retorque the head bolts before you boosted it?? They are pr0ne to stretching over time. I am by no means an expert, but I got a lot of experience with turbo cars, before all these fancy new gaskets came out, felpros were always the one of choice; especially in turbo buicks.
The Ford Racing gaskets are actually made by Felpro. I didn't re-torque the head bolts or over torque them because I read that it could comprise the bolts and reduce their clamping force. I'm no expert on engine assembly. Right now I'm just getting advise and doing as much research as I can before I start. Disassembly begins tomorrow after work. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures as always.
Good luck...
I was looking at your signature....do you have a wideband? How are you tuning your engine? While the bone stock ford stuff isnt great...ie head bolts and gaskets...lots of people have made them last awhile...so make sure your tune is good or you will be doing it again...
Travis
Yes, I have a wideband. My engine is controled by a megasquirt ECU. I downloaded a base tune from DIY Autotune and taylored it to better suit my car.
That's cool how do you like it? How was the transition from your old computer to the megasquirt?? Been following the megasquirt since it come out, but been scared to dive in on one.
Megasquirt is great. They make a plug and play kit that plugs right into the stock harness. It comes with everything you need.
Got into it last night. One head is pulled.
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0066_zps29e5f218.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0056_zps1cbcd218.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0057_zps62470102.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0058_zps7ae84890.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0059_zps32ab5e37.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0060_zps1a64b4e1.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0061_zpsd7b4a9ad.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0062_zpsbde846e2.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0063_zpsf5a75430.jpg)
(http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu352/bryan163photobucket/IMAG0065_zps93a2bbef.jpg)
Progress...
Travis
Looks like it belw around cylinder #3.
I would use at least ARP bolts this go around. When my engine was first put together with GT40P heads it had the FRPP gasket kit. When I put the Edelbrock Performers on last year I went with ARP bolts and Fel-Pro 1011-2 head gaskets. The ARP bolts are far more beefy than the bolts in the FRPP kit. I'd get the ARP bolts and Fel-Pro 9333PT1 head gaskets. From what I've read this is what most Mustang guys who have boosted engines use.
I agree. looks like it steam cleaned away the carbon in that cylinder.
I haven't tried the 5.0L studs with the engine in the car, but they may not work unless you jack the engine up. The studs require a lot of extra room to drop the heads down and get everything lined up. I'd suggest ARP bolts as well. You probably have better things to spend time on than do another head gasket.
Hmm.. has anyone done studs with the motor in the car? I havnt bought the bolts yet and I'm still on the fence about what to get.
I have in a mustang ..... You can also screw the studs in once the head is laid on the dowls if room is a issue
Good to know. Maybe I'll get the studs then. I'll see what they have in stock at mustangs unlimited. Whatever I get, I want to have it by tomorrow.
Studs are the way to go they torque better
Just make sure there ARP I got a car in one time that had no name studs and they were warped ..... Lets just say it was almost impossible to remove the heads lol
That's helpful info. Thanks! :) I wish I had known this earlier.