Do thicker head gaskets have any issues? It seems like back in the day they wouldn’t last but that might have been user error.
I track my a lot and currently NA 2.4 with 13:1 compression. Id like to boost this motor and lower the compression with a 3mm head gasket. Looking to make 400whp.

Any real world experience with a 3mm head gasket will be helpful .

Thanks!

 

I installed about 4 of them on my car and like clockwork they'd fail after about 1 year (10-15k miles) of duty cycles. I used new bolts, checked block and head for straightness and did the install by the book. I used to DD the car, so i'm sure the longevity would be higher now as it's a fair weather car, but I wouldn't use them again. What is the dynamic compression with the elevated compression? You may be able to run a bit of boos as is?

 

Perfect! I think you've convinced me to not use it lol My car is a track car only and beat the shit out of it for 20-30 min session.
I dont know what the dynamic compression is. I have Wadziis CnC Speedshop 2.4 kit that uses K24 crank, aftermarket rods with AP1 pistons.

I currently use 100 octane NA and not trying to push the limits of the tune/motor. If I can use 100 and/or e85 with about 12psi of boost, Id go FI ASAP. lol

 

I am curious, how much boost were you running for them to fail every year?

 

dont run it. Horribly bad for s2k. Google dynamic compression vs static compression. Stock untouched f20 may have static 11:1 compression but that's on the low cam . The dynamic compresssion is like 9.xxx:1. Putting the shitty head gasket on reduces static compression but also screws up the squelch area. Way more harm then good.

 

So you're saying with the vtec cam engaged, the compression ratio is lower?

 

the short answer is yes.

 

Would you be so kind to share the long version with us?

 

Yeah pleas share lol I used CnC 2.4 stroker kit with my AP1 pistons which Jason said puts compression at my 13:1

I wonder how that affects dynamic compression and squelch area......

 

I definitely wouldn't use one. They're more of a pain than they are worth.
I was running about 475whp on a turbo setup. This was back in the day before people realized that they could make really good power on stock compression. I think it was the heat cycles that made them fail, not the power, as I'd drive the car every day. I know there were people who got more years out of them, but less miles total.