I'd suggest the copper. Moss sells the "right" one. Mini Mania sells
the right one and a cheap imitation. I don't know the part number
offhand.
Probably more important, though, is your head torquing procedure.
First, you need flat surfaces. Both the head and block need to be
smooth. If you've run through three headgaskets without truing the head
and block, you probably need to have it done.
Then you need to install ARP studs, if you haven't already.
I use a copper headgasket spray, as well, although opinions differ.
Torque initially to 60lbs, in sequence, 10-15lbs at a time, lubricating
the studs/nuts with a little motor oil or moly lube. Ignore the ARP
instructions and just do it. Remember the rocker studs don't need this
torque, 35lbs is plenty.
Adjust the valves.
Run the engine up to temperature at lower rpms, let it cool down
overnight, then retorque. Readjust the valves.
The next time you run the car, retorque the head again once you've let it
sit overnight. Readjust the valves.
Probably a good idea to retorque the head and readjust the valves after
every race weekend.
David Littlefield
On Tue, 5 Jul 2005 18:04:44 -0700 (PDT) Ron Soave <soavero@yahoo.com>
writes:
> So... following a pretty good weekend racing at
> Blackhawk Farms, the car wouldn't start pulling off
> the trailer. I'm pretty sure I've got a bad head
> gasket for the third time in a year (previous 2 times,
> no bad oil/water leaks, just low compression on a
> cylinder or two solved by a new head gasket). I have
> been using the composite TAM1521 with the o-ring
> around the oil feed hole. I have been presented with
> a buffet of head gaskets by the local parts pimp (as
> in Peter The). This is either a high compression 1275
> street engine or a low compression race engine,
> depending on your perspective, about 11.5:1 CR. I've
> had the same copper head gasket in my street car for 8
> years, ~9.5:1 CR with no problems. So, copper or
> composite? Specific part numbers? Copper spray goo
> on the copper gasket? Opinions, etc.
>
> Ron Soave
> "You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you." - B. Dylan
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