How much boost can you run without an o-ringed block ,on an Lt1 with AFR heads, Just worried about blowing head gaskets. So when do you guys recommend doing this and what are pros and cons?

 

i cant answer the whole question but when i got my engine from golen it was standard for the forced induction motor to be O ringed and il go as high as 15lbs of boost. im sure that you wont have a problem blowing gaskets with a O ring block but if for some reason the O rings decide to screw up then i think you pretty much have to take the block to have new O rings installed.

 

There are non 0-ringed heads holding more than 15 psi but I'm not sure when is best to go to them. Also non o-ringed blocks act as afuse sometimes preventing worse damage.

 

I wouldn't recomend it for a sreet car unless your trying to 1k+HP. I do recomend it for a race car though My copper head gaskets always seep some coolant its a pain on the street but easy to throw a little coolant in after every pass at the track.

 

Did a few 20+psi runs today widh felpro 1074 (boost gauge dont show any more than 20 )

 

So will a lot of cylinder pressure cause head gasket to blow? or is it just form detonation?

I've got a ysi on order, and don't want to waste summer replacing head gaskets but if o-ringed blocks leak water then whats the point?

 

You won't blow a head gasket with orings and copper but it will seep a little coolant nothing is perfect it just depends what you are looking for.

 

sounds like im just going to stick with felpro, It's mainly for stompin on some mustang's in the street.

thanks for all the replies

 

Felpro 1074's and studs work great. Been up to 18 psi with that combo.

Bill

 

I had the same problem with coolant and my copper gaskets... One bottle of alumaseal and it's all fixed.

(It did take a few times running it before it sealed up and stopped seeping, but it worked great).

 

What he said. 15psi.

 

Head Studs will help with the clamping force to seal and will be good for the street.

 

Head studs + cometic gaskets have worked for me up to 20psi.
Detonation is the key. Detonate and you will blow head gaskets, break ring lands, etc.

 

What he said 17psi.

 

I had my new motor O-Ringed for insurance purposes as it will be seeing 15+ PSI.