Running double head gaskets? - Opinions

[dubmc]

Hey Guys,

Any body had experience running double head gaskets on a 1.8/2L 8v?

I need to lower the compression if I'm going to use the spare head which I have at home.

1. Is it a myth, or does/can it actually work?

2. Is it just a bad idea?

I have heard that it can work ok on this style engine.

Thoughts....

Thanks guys!

[aprr32]

We used to do that all the time when running flat top pistons.Never had any problems if you use good German head gaskets.
Cheers Peter

[gldgti]

Probably a good set of head studs wouldn't be a bad idea if you're going down this path though

[wai]

Depending on gasket design, probably not the best.

You would be better off with two gaskets and a good decompression plate. Gaskets are not designed to be used in pairs and if they are not aligned properly you can have problems. The worst is if you get a failure between cylinders which you don't notice until a gutter is burnt between them.

The other thing is that you will generally need higher torque values when bolting up, otherwise you can get gasket failure.

[abreut]

I have run double-stacked head gaskets on 2 motors now, never had a leak. I used good quality ARP undercut head studs though. Definitely use the multi-layered steel head gaskets though. You will drop about 1 compression point with 2 gaskets.

It will throw your cam angle out slightly though, but if you have adjustable cam gear you can easily get it back. What happened with your other head, stuffed?

[dubmc]

I have run double-stacked head gaskets on 2 motors now, never had a leak. I used good quality ARP undercut head studs though. Definitely use the multi-layered steel head gaskets though. You will drop about 1 compression point with 2 gaskets.

It will throw your cam angle out slightly though, but if you have adjustable cam gear you can easily get it back. What happened with your other head, stuffed?

hmm food for thought...it's look as thought the timing jumped a tooth, seems the only reasonable conclusion...because of this I've been told to get the head tested or avoid putting it back on as there will be some sort of damage....I could easily do that however the head I want to put on and was originally going to put on has been ported and decked - I.e machined down. This works ok on a standard block, however the block im running in the car has also been machined down, the result of which, when you put the head and block together it's very hard to tension the timing belt and advance the timing at all as the engine will ping. the direction I'm heading in at this point would be two good quality head gaskets and arp headbolts. Any thoughts??? Cheers

[DognamedElvis]

High Compression + E85 = WIN