max boost on head studs alone
 

i have a question i am wondering what the max boost that the factory headgaskets or aftermarket head gaskets will handle with just head studs. engine is a 96 7.3di all mods are in sig, at what pressure would i need to o ring the heads, have read alot on this and dont want to fire ring have heard alot of issues with sealing when cold, and i like the idea of o-ring cause it just seals the factory fire ring in the head gasket tighter. the reason i am asking is i am thinking of building a compound turbo setup for my truck cause my current turbo is maxed out when running up to the 3800rpm mark and running around 40psi boost, i have set down and done a rough mapping on the compressor map and i am way off in the choke side of the map at the 3800 mark but at same boost and a lower rpm say 3000 i am starting to get on the border of the choke side, so i want to add a low pressure turbo to feed this so i am able to build power all the way to red line.

with what i've seen, head studs are required if your at or above 40psi. i think with the studs, and maybe some nice gaskets you should be good if you're staying around 40 psi.

S468 turbo,stock head gaskets, arp head studs,comp 910 springs w/30ths shims---hitting 50 psi boost..

joeyd61 you need to bring that thing down to White Plains, GA (Lake Oconee area) Oct 25th or Nov 8th for the final 2 truck pulls of the year!!

unfortunately, after heart surgery and a new home, funds are super low right now. I am going to try and make DP Tuners truck show and dyno runs at lake Laniers island on Oct 11th, not real sure about that yet..
Thanks for the invite though

I understand, my father in law just had that last year, then pacemaker got infected and they had to go back and take it out. After months of rehab he was feeling a little better and went with wife to her dr appt, when they left he started feeling faint and they went back, even though not heart dr. He had another attack but mild, they got ambulance to come. He had another and was basically dead and they brought him back. He had 2 more in ambulance and another in ER. He really, really just about never came back.

Sorry man, I got to rambling.

You still in Dalton area? I live about 8-10 miles down Friendship Road from the Islands, so I'm planning on going. Maybe somebody will be selling a mustang my son will like, he just turned 18 and he took care of the Accord so that was the deal I made with him.

Do you still have that truck? Sounds bad to the bone and looks pretty sweet too. Mine looks stock except for a 6" chrome tip, but it's tuned a little. I've dyno'd it and it's got 500-550 HP (over 3 pulls it varied each time) and 1100 TQ.

Yes, still in the Dalton area...
The truck is doing fine, haven't drove it much this year but at least it is kept inside..Hope to see you soon.

I think with the proper head studs, the bottom end will give out before you blow a stock head gasket.