Well, after 8 years of flogging the car on the track, my headgasket finally gave up last weekend while on the high banks of Daytona. At least I got 2 sessions in before I had to make the 14 hour tow back home.

I know there are several different options when it comes to head gaskets, but what is the recommendation for my application ---
- stock TurboS motor, DME, KLR, and boost level
- 98% track (meaning it's on boost a lot)
- desire to not repeat the job for another 8 years

The cometic seems like overkill for my relatively light boost level. Any issues w/ the Widefire gasket as a extra measure of insurance over the stock gasket?

I haven't started tearing it down yet, but plan is to have the head checked for flatness (possibly a little shave), pressure tested, and guides & stem seals checked. Engine has 118k on it so I'm thinking it's time for new guides and seals. Any other 'while I'm in there' recommendations that are cheap to do?

Here's a video clip before the HG went. I wasn't getting a good launch out of the bus stop but was still hitting an indicated 155 at the tri-oval. It was unsettling how much the car moves around on the banking; it's not as smooth as it looks on TV...
http://members.rennlist.com/jwelte/lap_of_daytona.wmv

 

You need the Cometic and Porsche studs.

This advise is only for you.

 

Thanks ST. Do you recommend replacing the studs as well? I've heard they can be reused and are a b%$ch to remove unless running insane boost levels.

 

Factory studs, replace the nuts...oops sorry you were asking ST. lol

 

Yep, just leave them in there, despite what any knucklehead claims about "lifting" Porsche head studs at 300 hp.