HG install techniques

[Khadgar]

I've heard some things about certain sprays and such when installing the HG, could anyone give me the quick summary of whats up.

[LightningGSX]

Copper spray.

[TheBlizzard]

That and make sure the two surfaces that the HG is going inbetween are perfectly flat and have no defects. Also make sure that both surfaces are very clean.

I am not sure if you want opinions on the HG itself or the whole install or replacement of one. I guess this thread will be useful be either way.

CRAIG

[Jakey]

So from what I understand, the whole purpose of coppy spray is to simply provide a supplementary adhesive force between the head and the block. This then allows you to simply run greater intake manifold pressure with a decrease change of blowing your headgasket. Couple this with a nice set of ARPs and you'll have a hell of a seal. What I don't understand is why is the the coppy spray necessary when people all over are running stock Mitsu headgaskets, no spray, a set of ARPs, and pretty decent boost pressures and not having problems; what am I missing here? Am I not correct with my above information?

[Matt D.]

Seems as if copper spray is just cheap insurance. I don't see any reason to not use it.

[Alpine TSi]

Seems as if copper spray is just cheap insurance. I don't see any reason to not use it.

Exactly, I sprayed mine just for this reason. I have accidentally run 30+ psi on a stock mitsu HG with ARP's and it has held just dandy(boost controller issues). I like to think that somewhere the copper spray may have had a part in that.

[LightningGSX]

Since I'm new to copper spray, this is just a guess, but I wouldn't say its the adhesive qualities of the copper spray, but the fact copper is soft and can fill in minor imperfections that could cause leaks or failure

[JET]

The spray is mainly used to fill in the imperfections in the head and block. If they are left open then air can start to work its way through. The copper spray blocks that. It also has the sticking capabilities too. Nash nearly held 40 psi on a copper sprayed stocker. It did hold 35psi with ARP's.

[Wizard]

First, the copper spray is ONLY required when using the OEM Multi-layered Steel (MLS) head gasket. I have never used copper spray on any sandwich style gasket and never had any issues. I would def. recc. for most street cars to run an OEM headgasket (Or Victor) sandwich style gasket (Do not use Fel-Pro), with ARP head studs. Make sure both the block and head surfaces are clean and flat. This combo has been plenty good for many 10 and 11-sec cars.

Also remember that a headgasket is also a fuse. I'd rather blow a headgasket than melt a piston, etc. Going with a MLS gasket, ARPs, copper spray or even a copper headgasket and o-ring'd block and heads is nice, but not necc. for most cars. And while it will hold more before it blows, will your bottom-end hold up to the extra capacity? Kind of like running a ACT 2900 with a 6-puck clutch. While it will hold much more than a 2600 with a street disc, Is your drivetrain ready for it?

Wiz

[JET]

Most people don't have a freshly prepped head and block, that is where the copper spray can help. It definately doesn't hurt. It can help fill in any imperfections in the head/block they may have.