I am considering making a low compression MLS head gaskets for 420a powered cars. This gasket would be a thicker gasket to lower compression ration aprox 1 point. (from 9.8 to 1 to 8.8 to 1) This would allow higher boost levels safely. The pricing would be around 100-120 dollars. Since no one is running a setup like this i can not tell you what kind of boost or power would be safe with the stock rods and pistons. From exsperiance with honda engines with similar headgaskets we have seen 15 psi with stock pistons and rods with a very well managed fuel system. (stock honada rods are very weak) I will be doing a prototype install next week however.

Azizi Tucker
TTI Racing
http://www.provide.net/~azizi/Head%20gasket.htm

I was running that type of set-up last year. I safely ran 13psi on stock internals with no problems at all. It may have taken more than that, but I didn't want to push it.
Joe
97 GS w/ Hahn stage 2
Keep cruisin' & keep the shiny side up.
http://joeseclipse.homestead.com

i will be turbo bye the end of this year and i also need to replace my leaky head gasket so this may be good.

Chris Dishmon

"Fillet Mignon?!?!?! How about a big slab of tube steak for the pretty lady."

chrisdishmon@hotmail.com
http://klipzracer.homestead.com/index.html

how much does it cost to replace a head gasket (w/o headgasket price)??? can it be done without being a mechanic?

...dollares a gasket and a can of gasket preparation I can get better than some MLS gasket like a copper head gasket. I can lower stock compression from 9.6:1 to 8.5:1 on .125" gasket thickness or as high as 10.1:1 on a thinner gasket. For under 150 I got it shipped to my door at http://www.headgasket.com

Skrilla
'97 Base Talon NA
"Technology: The Only Replacement for Displacement"
"Peace and Turbo Grease"

Does this kind of do the same thing as low compression pistons or am I missing something?

Matt Bush-Ohio
98 Avenger I-4 5speed
avenger05@earthlink.net

Yeah it does the same thing as low compression pistons but pistons dont change cam timing and increase gasket blow potential like using thicker gaskets. Basically a cheap alternative. I've pondered doing this too but will wait until the need arises.

Screw photopoint tease us, then charge!!
Stan2gnt
Stan2va@aol.com
95 Talon 420A-Turbo
Former and future nitrous user

So if I'm running 10 psi would it be safer to use this gasket to lower compression? (as opposed to leaving it stock) Instead of replacing pistons? I know pistons would be better but until I can afford that.

Matt Bush-Ohio
98 Avenger I-4 5speed
avenger05@earthlink.net

...it, quite simply, changes the compression which is all low compression pistons do as well as thicker headgaskets.

Here is some extra info about the process(for anyone interested):
The compression is lowered by increasing the cumbustion chamber volume. With more room in the chamber the fuel/air that enters isn't suppressed to as much heat and isn't squeezed for all it's worth, but in a turbo motor the turbocharger does that for you. In NA you raise the compression instead, but the chamber isn't gaining 100% air(or oxygen) fill like when it's pressurized, which equals less gas you will want to supply to equal the A/F ratio per burn, per cylinder, per cycle. With a turbo, your *engine's* volumetric efficiency (NOT turbo VE) is close to 100%, whereas our engines NA can only reach about 85%.

Which is why:

Boost is more efficient than comrpession:), when it comes to turbocharging. If you want more low end from a lagging turbo system, then either find away to turn up the boost, use a BB turbo, or use a smaller turbo.

Skrilla
'97 Base Talon NA
"Technology: The Only Replacement for Displacement"
"Peace and Turbo Grease"