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Blown headgasket which ones do I need

  • Thread starter Thread starter TurboSaleen#163
  • Start date Start date Dec 26, 2004

TurboSaleen#163

New Member
Nov 19, 2004
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Dec 26, 2004
#1
  • Dec 26, 2004
  • #1
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.
 
B

bdcardinal

tree hugger
Jun 10, 2003
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santa barbara, CA
Dec 26, 2004
#2
  • Dec 26, 2004
  • #2
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

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
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Ontario, Canada
Dec 27, 2004
#3
  • Dec 27, 2004
  • #3
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

Founding Member
Jul 22, 2002
3,113
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Ohio
Dec 27, 2004
#4
  • Dec 27, 2004
  • #4
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.
 
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