Head Gasket Question/Advice Wanted

[TehRaydarlover]

Trying to decide if I should use the head I currently have for my turbo build. It has been ported by Paul Burke and had new valve guides and seals installed but it has also been skimmed down to the dimples (can't see them anymore). I would like to use an OEM type gasket and o-ring the block, but with the stroke/rod/piston combination my compression ratio is going to already be on the high end of where I would like it to be. Trying to find a solution to bring my compression ratio down with out causing the head gasket to be the weak link in the engine. The stock head height is 4.925", I still need to measure mine to compare but I'm thinking its going to be significantly less. Using an OEM 2.05mm repair gasket I could get 0.012" back, but I'm not sure its going to be enough. Does anyone know if there is an OEM style gasket available that is thicker than the 2.05mm. My goal for the engine is around 500hp. I've looked at the MLS head gaskets available and you can get a very wide range of gasket thicknesses. Does anyone have any experience with a MLS head gasket in a high power m20?

I still need to do more research but this is what I've come up with so far. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Ray

[sayed ali]

if you're doing it right then no issues with MLS on high hp m20, just make sure that the surface of both head & block is totally good + ARP head studs ..

Although many people have succeed with stock hg + o-ring + arp, but you need to double check the compression issues with some who have more experienced ..

Good luck,

[TehRaydarlover]

Thanks for the input. What do you think about using a thicker than stock MLS gasket? I measured the head height this morning and it's 4.898" so compared to stock it has had 0.027" shaved off.

[IronFreak]

You need to provide more information. What CR are you looking at with stock gasket? what are the specs? You're trying to base your decision on assumptions not facts. Are you running a standalone ECU?

[TehRaydarlover]

Specs so far:

m20b30
For the bottom end:
s52 89.6mm crank
135mm rods
85mm bore