head gasket

badboy · #1 05-05-2007, 19:43

has anyone got any ideas as to a good head gasket to use on my ca18et, dont want to spend to much money but want one thats gona do the job

s13eater · #2 05-05-2007, 20:40

std nissan, if your head and block are perfectly flat then you will have no problems, i know i had mig wired block, but i ran 32psi and had no problems.

PukkaSilvia · #3 05-05-2007, 20:44

Genuine Nissan Ones do best. Patent ones havnt been too reliable to me in the past. They never hold if the head isnt skimmed

badboy · #4 05-05-2007, 22:30

ta for the advice, the head hasnt been skimmed but did come off an engine that had no head gasket problems, i dont think il be running much more than 14psi so il go with standard nissan. while were on the subject what about head bolts and torque

s13eater · #5 05-05-2007, 22:33

you can only get nissan ones for it, they do the job

badboy · #6 05-05-2007, 22:36

thanks do you have to buy new ones ie stretch bolts and do you no the torque settings

s13eater · #7 05-05-2007, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by badboy

thanks do you have to buy new ones ie stretch bolts and do you no the torque settings

not sure, but i'd always use new.

30psi · #8 06-05-2007, 02:03

The head bolts aren't stetch type but can be re used.

The heads are are actually prone to warping even if the head gasket isn't blown, so just even with a removal and refitment, it would be best to have the head skimmed.

badboy · #9 06-05-2007, 09:51

thanks for the advice guys im off to get my hands dirty

PukkaSilvia · #10 06-05-2007, 11:34

i really suggest you take 30psi's advise. The head gasket will not hold at all if its not skimmed. Ive tried it many times on et engines when either a friend or myself hasnt had the time or money to get the head skimmed. We have tried known good heads that the hg hasnt blown and they just havnt lasted for than a few hundred miles tops of ligt driving,its just been a waste of time and money

I did hear a few people were using cometic metal head gaskets that are for the ca18det engine and even though a few gallerys are slightly different have worked really well. They are available in 1.2mm 1.6mm and 1.9mm for around 100 quid.
Depending on the cc of your engine after skimming you may want to go for a 1.6 or 1.9 ro lower your cr. It may reduce the chance of detonation, as i expect that is what blew your last gasket

Would anyone using a det gasket on a et engine like to confirm. I know 30psi has a comparison photo somewhere of the 2