Does the cometic require anything special be done to the head prior to installation? Or is it a direct fit like the OEM gasket? I don't mind spending the extra $ if it means not having to do this again any time soon.

 

I tried the Cometic, went back to WFRHG after an external oil leak.

I suspect if your head is true and the surfaces are smooth, you won't have issues.

 

One thought. I have been running these cars for years at the track. I have noticed that when you run them very hard the natural coolant level in the makeup tank, ends up below the minimum mark. The excess coolant is pushed out of the overflow. The natural level is about 1/8"-1/4" below the seam in the tank. If you try and maintain the level at the maximum, you'll keep adding coolant, and it will always find its way back down.

Once the level gets where it wants to be, the level remains constant.

 

Another test I've heard with the pressure tester is to hook it up on cold motor, but do not pump it, start the car and see if the cooling system builds pressure quickly or if the needle bounces all around. If it does, that's a blown headgskt.

 

I believe you are right. I rarely ever check my coolant level, but cold I do believe it is below the min mark. Never an issue for me so I don't check it too often.

 

The tank can also be warped too. I have had couple tanks that warped. The test is to pull the tank out and put some water in it. Turn it over and nothing should leak from cap or overflow. If it leaks and the cap is new the tank is bad. You can't pressure test this because where it leaks is the overflow the most pressure testing caps don't allow for this.

When the tanks warped the car would puke coolant out over the overflow being even relativly cool.