Originally Posted by Ian300D,Feb 17 2009, 12:21 PM

For the BMW guy's it was common to hear them use the OEM head gasket but use ARP head studs to really torque them down to the head. This seem to aleviate most people's issue, this of course and you NEED ot have a decent tune. Any S2k guys using different head stud kits with sucess? Or is that a non-issue.

Originally Posted by jwa4378,Feb 17 2009, 01:14 PM

My gasket failed because the previous owner did not re-torque the head bolts of the head (he had the first HG leak a bit last year, after 20,000 miles of no issues, and replaced it). The bolts must be re-torqued after 500 and 1000 miles (per the HELMS). My head was just "loose" as a result, probably lifted a tad with the boost, and screwed the gasket. Virgin engine's don't need to worry about this as much... Their bolts have never been broken from the factory setting.

I did not have ANY heat related issues, as I caught it early enough (hopefully...).

I am going to use ARP studs when it all goes back together (got a new set just sitting here that I never used, so why not?).

John

Originally Posted by TRBOKEV,Feb 17 2009, 08:22 AM

All these head gaskets that are blowing are mostly thicker head gaskets and not stock ones.

They (thicker gaskets) seem to have a pretty crappy life unfortunately.
I was thinking of going head gasket, but I dont want to deal with pulling the head every 15-20K miles cause the thing blows out. (my car is my daily driver)

Originally Posted by JoeyBalls,Feb 17 2009, 11:39 AM

Well, my timing is advanced to the point if my METH stops there will be some trouble, however my tune is pretty rich hardly see 11's............. and this is in COLD COLD weather, mostly mid to low 10's maybe 10.5 ar redline

Originally Posted by AndyFloyd,Feb 17 2009, 05:05 PM

what kinda timing advance are you running? Are you also 2 heat ranges colder on your plugs....if you arent you need to be...gives ya a little more headroom.

Originally Posted by AndyFloyd,Feb 17 2009, 05:04 PM

exactly why im staying stock compression now. I can make 371whp on 9psi and if I want more Ill throw in some C16 and run 16psi and make 500whp or so ( when that time comes ). The fact that a lot of people are running stock HG and seeing great results makes me want to just build the engine when it comes time to lower the compression. Building the engine is the correct way to lower CR anyways.

Originally Posted by jwa4378,Feb 17 2009, 05:14 PM

My gasket failed because the previous owner did not re-torque the head bolts of the head (he had the first HG leak a bit last year, after 20,000 miles of no issues, and replaced it). The bolts must be re-torqued after 500 and 1000 miles (per the HELMS). My head was just "loose" as a result, probably lifted a tad with the boost, and screwed the gasket. Virgin engine's don't need to worry about this as much... Their bolts have never been broken from the factory setting.

Originally Posted by TelosHedge,Feb 17 2009, 10:42 PM

i don't know about this. somebody chime in?