LB7: HG brands?

[Mike_S]

Alright guys, I have been doing so much reading that my eyes hurt and I still havent found the answers I'm looking for.

I'm going to be doing my head gaskets soon, and I wondering if there is anything available other than factory gaskets. I mean something comercially mass produced...not some place that can custom make copper ones for 52 thousand dollars each.

I have not heard good things about the Cometic MLS gaskets for the duramax...evidently they leak water? Where and could it be remedied simply?

I also read that there is another company making gaskets but I don't recall the name, and that is all that was given...no other info just a name.

I run an S480 single, and have yet to run it to is full boost potential. I'm guessing that it will run in th 55 PSIG range, so something that is quality is in order.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[KEVINL]

Head studs and GM C thickness gaskets will fit the bill

There is no need to reinvent the wheel here

 

[Mike_S]

True story, but if I can find someone that makes a simmiler quality gasket without the price tag I'll go that route. Odds are I will end up going with GM "C" gaskets and some ARP studs, but just figured it couldn't hurt to ask right? :thumb:

 

[othrgrl]

My S475 as a single was pushing 62 PSI on the stock intercooler, now with the BD it is around 57-58. And that's with every other air upgrade you can do to the motor - headers, up-pipes, stage 2 heads, smoothed LBZ runners, 3" into the Y-bridge, and 3" tubes - measured at the Y-bridge. What size turbine are you running on that S480? I hope the 87mm.

If you really want to hold some heads down look into SoCal's ARP 14mm head studs.

 

[duratothemax]

Id rather spend $$$ on the GM gaskets (that are proven in every application, and proven at huge power levels when combined with studs) than try something new thats cheaper, but "might" or "might not work". Doing head gaskets on these things with the motor in the truck is a PITA.

ben

 

[TheBac]

There's GM, and then theres everyone else. Stay OEM on this one, Mike.

 

[Mike_S]

My S475 as a single was pushing 62 PSI on the stock intercooler, now with the BD it is around 57-58. And that's with every other air upgrade you can do to the motor - headers, up-pipes, stage 2 heads, smoothed LBZ runners, 3" into the Y-bridge, and 3" tubes - measured at the Y-bridge. What size turbine are you running on that S480? I hope the 87mm.

If you really want to hold some heads down look into SoCal's ARP 14mm head studs.

WOW! That new IC is really killing some heat isn't it? Looks like once I have the $$$ I will be getting one of those.

If I remember right, it is the 87mm turbine with a 1.01 AR housing. Its a turd off the line but once it decides its time to go hold on to your ass.

I'll look into those studs.

Id rather spend $$$ on the GM gaskets (that are proven in every application, and proven at huge power levels when combined with studs) than try something new thats cheaper, but "might" or "might not work". Doing head gaskets on these things with the motor in the truck is a PITA.

ben

You have a good point Ben, I definately agree with you there 100%. The engine is coming out completely this winter for a full build-up, so hopefully I won't be pulling my hair out.

There's GM, and then theres everyone else. Stay OEM on this one, Mike.

Looks like my initial plan was the correct one, thanks guys!

Just one more question...If when I get into the engine it has grade B on one side and grade C on the other...and I go ahead and run C's on both sides in your opinions do you think this will unballance compression from side to side enough to cause issues?

Thanks again!

 

[KEVINL]

Just one more question...If when I get into the engine it has grade B on one side and grade C on the other...and I go ahead and run C's on both sides in your opinions do you think this will unballance compression from side to side enough to cause issues?

Thanks again!

You will be fine


Many including me have went to C's without any issue

I think mine had A&C's

 

[ripmf666]

If your worried over the cost of the factory c head gaskets you better just hang up the towel.

 

[Mike_S]

If your worried over the cost of the factory c head gaskets you better just hang up the towel.

LOL! you got a point there. Not so much worried about that, just figured I'd see if anyone had found an alternative. No sonse in dropping the extra money if someone found something that words just as good for less. But factory crade C it is! Thanks guys.

 

[05_LLY]

Ive installed commetics in mine and some other trucks, with no issues, I know they have been known to leak but i think that was a problem of the past, they are no cheaper than GM gaskets though anyway! Ive been using them becasue at one time, they were easier to get the GM C gaskets! Im not saying one is better then the other, just stating my experiences!

 

[ripmf666]

LOL! you got a point there. Not so much worried about that, just figured I'd see if anyone had found an alternative. No sonse in dropping the extra money if someone found something that words just as good for less. But factory crade C it is! Thanks guys.

They don't cost that much

 

[super38834]

The GM gaskets are good. Just raplaced mine and didn't even look anywhere else for them.

 

[63chevyll]

why the C's,

I dont have the info, but i heard theer are three thicknesses?

On topic, will the c's compensate for a milled head?

 

[TrentNell]

why the C's,

I dont have the info, but i heard theer are three thicknesses?

On topic, will the c's compensate for a milled head?

Depending on what protrusion is and how much was milled off the head , there are 2 grades thicker than the C , just for heads that have been milled .

 

[63chevyll]

ahhh, i see.

My GM parts guy had no clue when i was trying to order,

thanks