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View Full Version : How much power can the stock headgasket hold?

TheSparo
06-29-2005, 01:21 PM
i know i read this somehwere but i can't find it, am i correct in assuming 400whp? or is that too high? i would think it would go with the tolerance of the internals and tranny.. anybody have a close answer?
btw on a red top SR
evrae205b
06-29-2005, 01:33 PM
That is a good question and would like to know the answer also. Although I'm probly going to get a metal HG before I put my motor in.
Dousan_PG
06-29-2005, 01:35 PM
id upgrade around 320 imo
300 it holds a-ok
but above 3 i also would upgrade a lot..just because being safe is better then sorry.
TheSparo
06-29-2005, 01:54 PM
ouch... has anybody been successful much higher than that?
Dousan_PG
06-29-2005, 01:57 PM
mi sure people have done ok, no doubt
but like i said, better safe then sorry
id rather spend a few hours changing upgrading my headgasket then running my engine till it pops and being stuck in the middle of nowhere (ie: race track) and having to pay someone to replace it because i dont have the time or tools or tow money

so like isaid, spend the 100some-200some bucks and replace the stock headgasket
DrtyRat
06-29-2005, 09:19 PM
not trying to thread jack but since we're on the subject are any aftermarket headgaskets better than others, if so why? just blew the head gasket on mine and i figure i might as well upgrade since my goal will be 300whp+.
NZO
06-29-2005, 10:29 PM
The correct question is what power level and for what duration.
silviadriftr
06-29-2005, 10:29 PM
I wouldn't go past 375whp. I ran mine for a few months around that range with no problems but after bumping the tune up to 398whp the head gasket went. It would have probably lasted longer but didn't do the fuel pump relay upgrade as needed over around 380whp. I have a couple of guys putting down around 430whp with head gasket and studs.
TheSparo
06-30-2005, 06:14 AM
what fuel pump relay? never heard of it...
silviadriftr
06-30-2005, 08:35 AM
what fuel pump relay? never heard of it...


Esentially, it uses the factory fuel pump wire to trigger the relay, and through the relay you run a 10gauge wire wich ties directly off the battery for more power. The original factory fuel pump wire is very small and under heavy prolonged loads of power the ecu will put the fuel pump in limp mode showing too high of an amperage draw. You can buy the rely kit from summitt for cheap or you can make your own.