10 replies to this topic

[Steve Scheifler]

Has anyone found an aftermarket head gasket which is slightly thicker than the OEM (installed)?

I've got a block that was decked just a bit too much but otherwise good standard bore cylinders, clean passages etc., and I hate not being able to use it. If I could get about another 10 thou from the gasket it might be salvageable.

[Ron Alan]

You can buy a head saver...Oreilly? Cylinder head spacer shim...I think its 20/1000? 

[Mike Babcock]

Cometic...?

[Steve Scheifler]

Don't see it on the O'Riley's site but looks like head saver 230-2048 is 0.020. I looked for shims back in '07 when this engine failed and couldn't find one. Thanks!

Cometic is also an option, though they charge a $30 premium over 0.051". Are they 1-shot like normal gaskets or does the outer coating survive? Looks like a lot of people say yes, at least a couple times.

[SaulSpeedwell]

Yep, Cometic.  Not legal, of course, since not "OEM equivalent"?  Or have they changed that rule? .....

[Steve Scheifler]

Any gaskets and seals can be used, except valve seals which are explicitly excluded.

[James York]

Yep, Cometic.  Not legal, of course, since not "OEM equivalent"?  Or have they changed that rule? .....

No they have not.

[Steve Scheifler]

s. Miscellaneous
1. The use of the following non-standard replacement parts are permitted provided the use does not result in any unauthorized modification of any other component.
a. Fasteners – nuts, bolts, screws, washers, studs, etc. (Head bolts, rod bolts, flywheel bolts, and crank pulley bolt must be used as provided by Mazda.)
b. Gaskets and seals, except those specified in the above rules

[James York]

Hmmm.. Interesting potential loophole.

[Ron Alan]

Hmmm.. Interesting potential loophole.

How do you think some of those whistlegate motors became legal(for CR)for the runoffs?

[Brandon]

JB Weld?