Head gasket Question

[luismaster7]

Im planning on getting an 89 supra. NA. and I know about the head gasket issue and it worries me lol.

So my first question since i really couldnt find a specific answer is if i should wait for it to blow or replace it either way.

Also if anyone has bought the titanmotorsports 1.4mm headgasket do you have to resurface the heads and stuff when you replace it or do you just retorque the bolts.

Im just looking to do a few mods. namely an exhaust,headers and intakes maybe a few other small things. This is going to be 1jz anyways. I just need it to run smooth for the meantime.

Also I heard that turbo models tend to have their gasket blown faster. Does anyone if this is true. Any help is appreciated.

 

[toyotanos]

Here's what I would do:
If the HG is not blown, buy a set of valve cover gaskets and re-torque the head bolts to the update spec (around ~70 ft-lbs, not 100% if that's the exact updated torque spec, please research it before using that number). Since you are buying an NA for temporary use, if the HG is blown, just get a stardard composite gasket set to replace it- MLS head geaskets are usually only for high-performance applications where you plan on making good power.

 

[luismaster7]

so just by buying the valve cover gaskets and retorquing the heads i can make my headgasket last pretty much?

 

[toyotanos]

Only if its not already blown. Yo can even get away without buying the gaskets, but there is a 90% chance they are leaking, and if not now, they would leak after you pulled them to re-torque the head bolts.

I highly suggest investing some time in searching the hundreds of threads at your disposal, there is so much information to be had than I could type in a month

EDIT: I see you're already looking at a good thread- The N/A upgrade FAQ- great place to start!!!

 

[luismaster7]

Alright I guess ill just do look around some more. And yeah lol

 

[SRZMK3]

get arp bolts and replace the gasket for reassurance ive done that and i beat the hell out of the car everyday and its taken no effect for a year and a half.

 

[hvyman]

Drive it till it blows. You have no idea whether it will blow next week or in 10 years.

Also you shouldnt try and use a mhg unless you machine both the block and head, which means complete rebuild.

Also every time you pull the head off it should be machined.