boost and head gaskets

[Jason_L]

Does anybody know how much boost the "stock" gaskets can handle?

[Kirby]

The "stock" head gasket is also the best on the market. ow much boost is relative to fuel air mixtures and combustion temperatures. Run lean, run hot, run out of luck!

[SteelBlueGT]

I sure wouldnt run more than 16 psi but not sure of the exact numbers

[amx1397]

just to let you know, I run 18 on the street

[Jason_L]

Good to know! thanks!
I'll be using water/alcohol injection, an intercooler sprayer, and aiming to keep A/F to 12.5.

[Jason_L]

16 psi - based on the gasket, or other constraints? I have detonation and combustion temp issues covered for the most part, but I was curious about the limits of the gaskets. If the A/F ratios let me run up it to 20psi in the second stage of the MBC, then I'll be running 20 psi
Stock PCM's run rich at WOT for anti-knock purposes usually - it dumps fuel to keep the temp down. The water/alcohol injection does a much better job of that, so the boost at WOT can now be upped to take advantage of that extra fuel already programmed into the system.
disclaimer: I am not a professional mechanic, just an enthusiast.

[Gear_Head]

JasonL you might consider a pyrometer as well if you are going to tune. A/F is necessary, add a pyrometer and you will have information on all of the factors included in combustion. That is my 2 cents..........

[Jason_L]

gear head - good point on the pyrometer. I will look into it.

[RT Tommy]

Jason,
I can't speak for the PT ( I haven't play with mine yet) but I running 24 psi boost in my neon R/T without any problem and alot of tuning. I am running with Mopar Multi-layer steel headgasket, which I believe in what Mopar is using in all their 4 cylinder motor since late '98.
I hope this helps.
Tommy.

[Jason_L]

awesome, thanks for the info Tommy!