What head gasket to use for Zetec turbo?

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Apr 25, 2018 | 09:39 PM

TomPengelly

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Kapow!!

Joined: May 2011

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From: Southampton

What head gasket to use for Zetec turbo?

i have an ST170 bottom end with a blacktop head. I was quoted £144 for a 1.8mm genuine RS focus gasket from ford, or Pumaspeed do a 4 layer MLS gasket for around £70. Obviously it would be nice to spend less, but if there’s one that will out-last others, i would spend the extra, but also need the right CR.
Any advise before fore I buy either of these?

Cheers

Last edited by TomPengelly; Apr 25, 2018 at 09:40 PM.

Apr 25, 2018 | 09:44 PM

studabear

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: at home

I would go with the Ford gasket. make sure the block is decked and the head is skimmed so you have perfect mating surfaces.

My first run using the st170/blacktop I never had the block decked and I blew the Cometic MLS gasket after a particularly fast run, the engine always ran hotter too.

I then redid it all with the Ford 1.8mm gasket, decked block and head refaced and its been bang on since.

Apr 25, 2018 | 09:59 PM

TomPengelly

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Kapow!!

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 610

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From: Southampton

That answers that question, thanks very much

whilst the engine is stripped as I need to get the block decked, should I replace anything else apart from the rod bolts if the bores look good?

Apr 25, 2018 | 11:51 PM

zetaboostboy522bhp

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From: in reality!!!!!!!!!!!

The standard ford gasket was used on wrc Focus cars , my engine did over 500 bhp no probs , you will have head lift before the gasket fucks up

Cheers paul