Cometic Head Gaskets $139.99

[eckoxl]

I ended up going with the stock gaskets which allowed me to finish my motor, but unfortunately I inverted two retaining clips in my trans which locked the input clutch and killed it... so I'm still on jackstands... LOL Hopefully their ETA is only a week out because they are passed their 5 week max if I did my math right. How many people are waiting on these to get a project done?

I was waiting, but I decided to go with 04 Graphites instead. Just going to sell these once I get them.

[scott0999]

I have several other top end parts I'm wanting to install along w/ the MLS. so its holding up that project

[chri0029]

Guys,

I need to chime in here and say that MLS gaskets will really be worth the wait. Trust me! I know everybody has spring fever and everything, but they are far superior to the graphite and surely the composite ones. The stock CHG will not handle boost for its designed life. If you want to do it right, you have to wait!

[SappySE107]

I was told a few more days, but have set the eta for the 14th because that is more reasonable for me to have the gaskets here. They compared them to the head and deck and it's good this time. Dies are done and they are finishing up the embossing.

[chri0029]

Good. Everybody has some extra time to polish the deck surfaces. These have to be a smooth as glass for MLS.

[scott0999]

speaking of that, I remember reading a "50 roughness average" is needed. whats the best way to achieve that.. I mean what do you use sandpaper?

[chri0029]

I don't know what Cometic specifically calls for, but industry standard for surface roughness is Rz of 15 micrometers and Rmax of 20 micrometers. There is a maximum waviness spec, but it varies with the length of the wave. This is more used in the machining.

I really don't know how they do this in shops (maybe a mechanic can chime in here), but I guess Scotchbright pads are not recommended since the particles could find themselves in the oil system and eventually bearings. Sandpaper or steel wool might work after a razer blade to remove the old junk, but that doesn't address any scratches on the deck.

The viton coating on the outer CHG layer serves the purpose of microsealing around the beads. If you have some questionable areas on the head/block surface, you can possibly put grease or whatever on the CHG beads and put the CHG to the head/block to see where the beads lay. It's really the bead areas have to be especially clean and free of any deep scratches. The other areas don't really matter.

[robertisaar]

flycutter and surface grinder would be my tools of choice here...

[SappySE107]

Shops use mill/fly cutter and I forget the type of bit but 50RA isn't difficult with good equipment. The block deck just needs to be cleaned, no sanding or anything.

[scott0999]

so whats up?

[bszopi]

As Ben stated earlier in the thread (as well as almost everytime someone asks this question), they will be done when they are done. He has no control over a large corporation like this, especially when it is for this platform. Do you guys really think they are going to miss out on the dozen or so gaskets that have already been sold? I doubt it. They can take as long as they want, and anything Ben says (or asks about) probably doesn't mean anything to them. So stop asking the question. When they are ready (ie, when they are in Ben's posession), he will let everyone know.

[scott0999]

ok I'll ask Cometic directly then.

I think your overreacting a little.. asking for updates once a month isnt much.. especially when the ETA has changed twice already

people with money in it have the right to ask

[SappySE107]

Ask away, I am tired of being lied to and in return, lying to everyone else. I am ready to refund everyone at this point.

[robertisaar]

Ask away, I am tired of being lied to and in return, lying to everyone else. I am ready to refund everyone at this point.

that does not sound good...

[boscov6]

What would be the BEST alternative for a 3500 head gasket that will be studded and 8-10 pounds of boost then?