Head gasket set suggestions

[Motorheaddad]

What do you guys recommend for a head gasket set? I'm pulling the head due to a leaking exhaust valve (leak down test verified). I was planning on buying the Felpro set and buying a separate (better?) head gasket. Or am I ok just using the Felpro head gasket? Recommendations? I'm gonna be running a complete stock drivetrain since it will be my DD. The only thing the car has is a K&N SRI. I read that Cometic has an "updated" gasket where it blocks an oil or coolant passage that is known to leak. Are they the only ones that did this? I really don't want to have to pull this head again due to a crappy gasket. The other thing I keep reading is that ARP head bolts aren't all that great. What do you guys recommend for head bolts. Thanks in advance!

[Djohns]

Stick with OEM for gasket and bolts.

[mazda62006]

I would tend to stick with mazda for those things. more expensive but at least you know it will fit and work.

[SSinstaller]

Custom head and timing cover gaskets

Thread was better before photobucket decided to fuck everyone, but the new head gasket looks really good, and the timing cover gasket is way better than gasket maker..

[shaneski]

OEM Mazda gasket will hold more than double the power/boost than you will make.

[Motorheaddad]

I thought Cometic only made TC gasket that one time. I checked the website and it doesn't list it for our vehicles.

[5doorsoffury]

Originally Posted by SSinstaller Custom head and timing cover gaskets Thread was better before photobucket decided to fuck everyone,

Every classic thread and how to i look at now has been ruined by photo bucket.

Go with oem head bolts you dont need studs unless you are chaseing big numbers or you want to reuse them.

Stick with oem 3 layer. Custom gaskets 4 and 5 layer are for when you have a lot of material taken off of the block and/or head surface and want to make it up with the gasket.

[SSinstaller]

Originally Posted by Motorheaddad I thought Cometic only made TC gasket that one time. I checked the website and it doesn't list it for our vehicles.

I ordered one a few weeks ago, it's not on the site but if you call they will sell it to you. It was $36 shipped..

[GroceryGtr]

no need for a fancy, thicker/more layers, gasket unless the machine shop took too much off during the deck job(on that note be very very careful most shops dont have the correct specs for height). Felpro would be fine, oem takes all the guess work out of it. Either will do for your expectations. Stock bolts are more than adequate for the job. I'm running stockers on a fairly modified setup with zero issues. Half the cost, no modifications to install, and no retorque required.

Black RTV the TC. If you do it correctly you will have zero leaks. 99% of leak whiners are the result of not properly allowing to setup. Apply, and hand thread bolts. Let sit over night THEN torque to spec. Black rtv MUST be allowed to firm up/expand prior to clamping force being applied. Same goes for the valve cover.