Blown headgasket which ones do I need

[TurboSaleen#163]

I have a 97 Saleen with about 7-9 psi Turbo kit depending on weather.Well under boost I blow antifreeze out the cap.My question is which gaskets should I use.I was told use the 04 Cobra gaskets.I was also told to use ARP bolts for the heads.I was told my heads may be lifting under boost.......Did I mention I hate working on FORDS.I heard the timing chain is a bitch on these motors too.

 

[bdcardinal]

you can get away with using an 03/04 cobra head gasket. and i would definately suggest using ARP headstuds. the timing chains on these are no more difficult than any other chain driven overhead cam v6 or v8. i personally think they are fairly easy.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Strange, that you popped a gasket with such little boost...if at all. 4.6's aren't famous for that? I think if I were you, I'd have the head decked .005-.010 to make sure the surface was true before I bolted them on with new gaskets. And yes a set of ARP bolts or studs is always a good idea, but again not normally necessary with such low boost levels.

 

[mogs01gt]

even though Brian and I butt heads often. Modular motors are not known to blow head gaskets. Usually its the rods or pistons that go first.

If you buy ARP head studs, you will probably have to remove the motor to get the heads back on. There isnt a lot of room to slide the heads over the bolts. If you can do it, you must have used an Ancient Chinese Secret.

You can use the stock headgaskets for that little amount of boost. I am running the stock gaskets and I plan to even with my new motor.

Setting the timing isnt really that hard. I did it laying on my back and having someone above on the heads making sure everything was correct. The Depot has a nice write up on their homepage.