308 Head Gasket Choices

Did mine a year ago and used Elring. Don't know anything about the others. There was a thread that discussed bootleg Elring gaskets, you need to carefully examine the holographic logo to ensure it's genuine. Sad, but that's the way of things these days.

 

Elring! You forget about the high price 5 minutes after your engine is assembled and running.

Best, Peter

 

There are also head gaskets from Murray in Oz: [email protected] price is $175 each.

I may be having a short run done here in the UK. No solid fire ring as the originals and Elring use but my UK manufacturer says they are not needed for non-turbo applications (and the Italian and Murray's gaskets don't have them.) Mine will have the silicone printed around all the water passages and will be about £120 each

 

My setup (turbo) requires solid copper gaskets. So that is also an option for some.
I have never had any issues using them.

 

Just did one head a couple of months ago. Used SF Italian with copper coat sealer. Looked identical to original. I'm not worried about compression leaks with stock compression on 2V with protruding sleeves but was worried about water leaks (based on multiple searches) and I didn't have the head or block surfaces machined to insure no warpage. I've used the ML type on a variety of Chevy and Chrysler drag race engines with great success but they didn't have cyl sleeves protruding above the block like the 308. A couple of the threads warned against the ML gaskets due to water leakage between the head and deck. (not into cyl).

Barry

 

Boy where to start....
Elring no longer mfg the gasket with the proper 3d profile... So it's a toss up for it actually sealing.

We've been working with cometic on the gaskets for stock engines, the big bore stuff does not have protruding liners so gasket choices are vastly different. Cometic should now have a gasket for the stock configuration with the proper embossment. They are not multiuse though, so keep that in mind, though mls they are one and done.

Head gaskets are a real PITA to get right for these engines. Really wish elring hadn't changed things...

There's also a little trick that many builders use for boosted engines that helps with sealing... Aviation sealant on both head and block... Thin layer... Seals like a frogs bum. The bigger issue with these engines isn't compression gasses... It's the dang coolant seaping everywhere due to the goofy design of the block.

 

Afternoon all,
Try Superformance UK, that's where I got mine, so far so good
The gasket thread was mine, if you have any questions, just let me know and I'll share my experience.

John.

 

Afternoon Wayne,
After going through many posts, can't find mine
I'll keep on looking

John

 

Ask Martin(German dud), he helped me out on that subject.

John

 

Here it is - John started this thread in May 2019, a great discussion thread about head gaskets with input from Elring technicians: Correct 328 head torque. It's on page 4 that the Elring technician joins in; a long thread, but very worthwhile reading.

Cheers,
Gordon

 

Thanks Gordon!!!
Since I got my engine back together and running(big difference on running and start-ups), don't hesitate on asking my opinion or what ever knowledge I may have.

John.

 

Murray is the real deal. Totaly trustworthy and knowlageable. Especially for the price

 

That's pretty good I paid $337 a couple of years ago.

 

just saw this post and chuckled....that is what I done too. Aviation sealant around the studs, water, oil ports. Its good for about 20 years before it dries out (its solvent based)

On the V12 where everything is welds I also put it under the cylinder liner o-rings cause I don't completely trust my weld but never did that on the QV.

The 12 gets cometic composite gaskets, $100 each and they seem fine for the little actual run I have.

 

Well if we're gonna give up all the old aviation secrets another one is EZ Turn. Use it on all fuel fittings and gaskets.

 

I did not know about that one, I've been foolishly using regular old never-seize

 

A tube of this stuff will last you the rest of your life.

EZ Turn - Aircraft Spruce