New M20 Head Gasket Option

[E30SPDFRK]

I have used all the commonly available gaskets (Corteco, Victor Reinz, Elring, OEM BMW) and found they all start leaking oil externally after about a year. I've been putting a thin smear of Loctite 518 anaerobic sealant on both sides of the gasket around the oil passages recently and have yet to have a leak pop up. We average around one M20 headgasket a month here at the shop, so this is a pretty big sample size.

[AWDBOB]

What did you do for the 2.7? Does it feel different compared to a stock m20b25?

I have my stuff at a local machine shop. I plan on doing ForcedFirebird's recipe: 84mm block, eta crank and rods, 325i pistons, and 885 head, and deck the block 2mm.

That is what I do as well. I've done 3 now like that and they rip! My low compression one dyno'd 160/160 on a low reading dyno with stock cam and stock exhaust. The only recommendation I would have is to get the 84.5mm stock mahle pistons (11251714810), as I've found most used i pistons are pretty worn, and it is harder than you'd think to find perfect block that's stock bore and isn't ovaled or distorted.

[McGyver]

In your case it sounds like a good stock style gasket and studs is the ticket.

My new 2.7 is already in the car and running! It's at the fab shop getting a custom header built.

What did you do for the 2.7? Does it feel different compared to a stock m20b25?

I have my stuff at a local machine shop. I plan on doing ForcedFirebird's recipe: 84mm block, eta crank and rods, 325i pistons, and 885 head, and deck the block 2mm.

[AWDBOB]

Yeah, that was my understanding. Copper spray can help with sealing on an MLS, but a lot of people have issues with sealing. I had the head resurfaced and the block is going to be decked as well, so I might be in the right roughness range. All that being said, low boost with studs was my plan. 300-350whp would probably be excessive for a street car.

When do you think you'll have your motor put together?

In your case it sounds like a good stock style gasket and studs is the ticket.

My new 2.7 is already in the car and running! It's at the fab shop getting a custom header built.

[McGyver]

Yeah, that was my understanding. Copper spray can help with sealing on an MLS, but a lot of people have issues with sealing. I had the head resurfaced and the block is going to be decked as well, so I might be in the right roughness range. All that being said, low boost with studs was my plan. 300-350whp would probably be excessive for a street car.

When do you think you'll have your motor put together?

[AWDBOB]

This is good to know.

Is the general consensus that a good composite gasket is better than using an MLS? This motor will be NA 9:0 CR, and then will get boosted to 10-15psi.

MLS gaskets are tricky, as they requires a specific RA finish on the head and block to seal. Most people that use MLS gaskets don't achieve said finish, so they don't seal well.

If you're not shooting for the moon with boost, I'd say a good stock gasket with ARPs is the way to go. Most of my buddies that do racecar things with their turbo m20s do an oring HG setup, but I don't think thats necessary on a street car.

[McGyver]

This is good to know.

Is the general consensus that a good composite gasket is better than using an MLS? This motor will be NA 9:0 CR, and then will get boosted to 10-15psi.

[AWDBOB]

I thought the Goetze gaskets were just out of stock everywhere. They quit making them? On a 2002 forum those guys said corteco gasket was a good gasket.

Goetze M20 head gaskets are long gone. They were also the supplier for the genuine BMW gaskets, and someone else is making them now (supposedly VR according to my dealer source).

Yes, Corteco is the OEM for a lot of BMW stuff, which is why it is exciting to have this option so we're not all relying on Elring anymore.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

I thought the Goetze gaskets were just out of stock everywhere. They quit making them? On a 2002 forum those guys said corteco gasket was a good gasket.

[AWDBOB]

Hey R3V-

I know there has been a good bit of discussion on the availability of quality M20 headgaskets now that the Goetze gaskets went away and the Genuine gaskets are supposedly being made by VR now.

A Corteco option popped up recently, and appears to be better than the Elring, more similar to the no longer available Goetze gasket.

I bought a couple and will be assembling a motor with one soon.

I could only find them via FCPEuro.

Hope this helps-

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...7-cto-83414628