Head gasket replacement

[Flyinz]

Is it possible to replace head gaskets in-car? Or does the engine need to be removed, whether by dropping the k-member or removing the engine out through the top?

What brand is everybody going with, that is proven??

The reason Im asking is, b/c I've got one leaking,externally on the pass. side. I assume, when you do this, you replace both of them, not just the one that is leaking. I can't remember the last time I did one, so that is why Im asking all the questions. If anybody has any helpful tips, lets hear them.

[firebird_1995]

You can replace them in the car. Passenger side is the harder one of the two. You don't HAVE to replace them both but being that you would be doing the harder side anyways, I would go ahead and do the drivers side while you had the intake off, especially if it has high mileage. I believe most guys are running a felpro 1074, if I recall correctly.

[RamAir95TA]

It would be absolutely foolish, IMO, to have the car completely apart and in a position to change both head gaskets and not to do it because there's 17 more bolts in the way. Definitely change both HGs.

[meissen]

If you're willing to drop the engine out and have it be down for a few weeks to a month, go for it. Once you get the steps down for dropping the kframe, it only takes a 2-3 hours to do, IMHO it's worth it. Once the engine is out, it's just so much easier to work on... and while you have it out you can do other things like easily change spark plugs, etc. Obviously, though, not everyone has a garage to work in or an engine hoist to use.

[Flyinz]

Yep, thats what I thought, but I had to ask. I'd rather do both sides anyway. Then I don't have to do the other side later, down the road.

Joe, what are your feelings on the Cometic MLS gaskets?

[FormulaJoe]

Different Joe lol, but Cometic MLS are really nice.. Know of a few people running them.. Pretty sure Joe is. Also I'd like to suggest getting everything off both heads and having them unbolted, then have a buddy help you lift both the heads off at the same time. I've heard it's a good way to keep from bending up the steam pipe.

[bigtoyz]

Different Joe lol, but Cometic MLS are really nice.. Know of a few people running them.. Pretty sure Joe is. Also I'd like to suggest getting everything off both heads and having them unbolted, then have a buddy help you lift both the heads off at the same time. I've heard it's a good way to keep from bending up the steam pipe.

Thats a good point to have pointed out....I had to go through that when I was tryin to get my copper gaskets to seal up.

And info for anyone that is gonna use copper headgaskets if doing boost or big dose of nitrious. Was told to use the blue gasket sealer from gasket manufacture instead of the copper....what a nightmare that was had engine out 5 times trying to get blue sealer to seal up when we asked around everyone one recommened the copper And at that point I had left the k member bolted in but loose to gain a little extra, cause I had studs to contend with.

[Flyinz]

Whats the difference on using the Felpro 1074 and a MLS gasket? Would the MLS gasket last longer with high rpm, or nitrous use?

[Greg08]

Whichever is Cometic is the right choice.

[RamAir95TA]

MLS gaskets when installed properly on a deck/head surface with a surface Ra of less than 50 are for all intents and purposes, bulletproof. The only drawback is the price versus a conventional gasket. But you should also consider that inside a mildly built motor cylinder pressures are typically handled easily by a conventional gasket.

Keep in mind that the surface finish MUST be 50 Ra or less for them to work properly. I run them on my 383 with great results.