head gasket

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Apr 19, 2008 | 12:42 AM

theguy_88

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head gasket

i have a f-350 4x4 6.0l power stroke with banks power pack, and i have resently found out that i have a head gasket leak and i want to know what all sould be replaced and the best parts to use. i want to switch from head bolts to studs and what kind of head gasket should be used. and i would like to know how much more work is it to change the piston rings when the engine is tore down that much and what kind to use if i do that to.

Apr 19, 2008 | 01:43 AM

bismic

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What year is your truck? Also, you may want to post what your goal is with this truck (ie over 500 rwhp?, more?, reliability, etc.). This will make a difference in the advice you get. For example, most say go back w/ the OEM head gasket - even w/ studs. This of course depends on the hp you ultimately want to make. Other choices may include wire ring or fire ring gaskets. As far as the head studs go, the choices really boil down to two (from what I have read) - ARP or H11's.

Apr 19, 2008 | 07:06 AM

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

Bismic is right, it really depends on your goals as to rather or not you'll need to change from OEM gaskets or not. After I did everything that I have listed below to my truck, I still use stock gaskets with ARP studs(most I believe do use this brand as well). Racing gaskets also are not quite as forgiving during install as stock ones, so if the install is messed up with the gaskets you might be tearing down the block again to fix it despite having studs.

Apr 19, 2008 | 01:13 PM

theguy_88

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my truck is a 2005 with an 8 inch lift and 38 inch tires and im guessing that it puting out about 450 hp. and not to sure if i am going to go higher but i am thinking about a new turbo and propane injection but those arnt for sure or doing to happen for a while anyway

Apr 19, 2008 | 01:26 PM

tex25025

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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN

If your thinking turbo and a good size one at that, you might want to be looking at injectors as well. Sucking in more air is only good when you have enough fuel to burn with all that air. Unless your thinking stage III injectors with a 71mm turbo, I think stock gaskets will be alright. Like I said, I'm using stock gaskets with my setup and I haven't had any problems so far.

Apr 19, 2008 | 07:14 PM

brickie

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From: AB/BC

theguy88, You my friend are on your way down a well traveled road. Bribing your wife,talking to your truck,justifying insanity and blowing cash are all in your future.lol Oh yea I run stock head gaskets.

Apr 19, 2008 | 08:03 PM

Maxium4x4

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From: Ohio

You are no where near the 400HP mark if all you use is the Banks system. Stock gaskets are fine with ARP head bolts done right. When the heads are off have a machine shop do a few passes on them, no more than .009

If you cannot clean the heads up they should be replaced.