Cometic Gasket — MLS Head Gaskets & Engine Seals

What This Collection Covers

Cometic Gasket manufactures multi layer steel (MLS) head gaskets, complete gasket kits, and individual sealing components for platforms including Dodge Hellcat, GM LSX, Datsun L28, Honda K20, Nissan KA24DE, Dodge Viper, Volkswagen and Audi 1.8T and 2.0T, Ford Coyote, Subaru EJ20, GM LS oil pan applications, Mitsubishi 4G63, and BMW and Toyota B58. This collection covers the gaskets needed to reseal an engine after a build, a head swap, or routine maintenance.

Categories Included

MLS head gaskets, complete top end and bottom end gasket kits, oil pan gaskets, intake manifold and exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and o ring head gaskets for high boost applications.

MLS Head Gaskets

Multi layer steel head gaskets use several layers of stainless steel with embossed sealing rings to handle the repeated heat cycling and cylinder pressure of a modified engine better than a stock composite gasket. Cometic offers MLS head gaskets in multiple bore sizes and thicknesses to match bored engines and to fine tune compression ratio on a built motor.

Choosing Head Gasket Thickness

Head gasket thickness affects compression ratio and quench, so builders assembling a motor for a specific compression target should confirm the compressed gasket thickness rather than assuming a direct factory replacement thickness.

Complete Gasket Kits

Complete gasket kits bundle the head gasket with the full set of supporting gaskets and seals needed for a top end rebuild or full engine reseal, reducing the need to source individual gaskets separately. Kits are available in top end only configurations and full kits that include oil pan and other bottom end gaskets.

Top End vs Full Gasket Kits

A top end kit covers head gasket, intake, exhaust, and valve cover gaskets for jobs like a head swap or valve job, while a full kit adds oil pan and other bottom end gaskets for a complete engine reseal during a rebuild.

O Ring Head Gaskets for High Boost

O ring head gaskets pair a receiver groove machined into the block or head with a stainless o ring embedded in the gasket, providing the most secure seal available for engines running very high boost or nitrous. This setup is typically reserved for dedicated race engines due to the machining work required.

When an O Ring Setup Is Worth It

O ring head gaskets are generally only necessary once boost or cylinder pressure exceeds what a standard MLS gasket can reliably seal, making them a common choice on dedicated drag and road race engines rather than street builds.

Cometic Gasket Platform Coverage

• Dodge Hellcat and Viper. MLS head gaskets and gasket kits for supercharged and naturally aspirated V8 builds
• GM LSX and LS Oil Pan Applications. Head gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and full gasket kits for LS platform engines
• Datsun L28. Head gaskets and gasket kits for classic inline six restoration and performance builds
• Honda K20. MLS head gaskets and top end kits for K series performance builds
• Nissan KA24DE. Head gaskets and gasket kits for KA series engine builds
• Volkswagen and Audi 1.8T and 2.0T. Head gaskets and kits for turbocharged four cylinder platforms
• Ford Coyote. Head gaskets and gasket kits for 5.0L Coyote engine builds
• Subaru EJ20. Head gaskets and top end kits for EJ series boxer engine builds
• Mitsubishi 4G63. Head gaskets and gasket kits for Evo and DSM engine builds
• BMW and Toyota B58. Head gaskets and gasket kits for the shared B58 turbocharged inline six platform

How to Choose the Correct Cometic Gasket

• Confirm the exact year, make, model, trim, and engine before ordering any gasket or kit
• Measure actual bore diameter if the engine has been bored, rather than assuming stock bore sizing
• Select head gasket thickness based on the target compression ratio and quench for the build
• Decide between a top end kit and a full kit based on whether the bottom end is also being serviced
• Consider an o ring head gasket setup only for dedicated high boost or nitrous race engines
• Confirm whether the kit includes head bolts or studs or requires them separately
• Inspect head and block deck surfaces for flatness before installing a new gasket
• Follow manufacturer specified torque sequence and values when installing any Cometic gasket

Common Questions

What is an MLS head gasket and why is it used?

An MLS head gasket uses multiple layers of stainless steel with embossed sealing rings to handle repeated heat cycling and cylinder pressure better than a stock composite gasket, making it the standard choice for modified and rebuilt engines.

Does head gasket thickness affect compression ratio?

Yes, a thicker head gasket increases the combustion chamber volume slightly and lowers compression ratio, while a thinner gasket raises compression ratio, which is why builders targeting a specific compression should confirm compressed gasket thickness.

What is the difference between a top end kit and a full gasket kit?

A top end kit covers the head gasket and related upper engine gaskets for jobs like a head swap, while a full kit also includes oil pan and other bottom end gaskets for a complete engine reseal during a rebuild.

Do I need an o ring head gasket for my build?

Only if cylinder pressure from boost or nitrous exceeds what a standard MLS gasket can reliably seal, which is typically a concern on dedicated race engines rather than street driven builds.

Can I reuse head bolts when installing a new gasket?

Many manufacturers recommend new head bolts or studs when installing a new head gasket, since stretch bolts in particular can lose proper clamping force after being torqued and removed once.

Do I need to resurface the head or block before installing a new gasket?

Inspect the head and block deck surfaces for flatness and check for warping before installing a new gasket, since a warped surface can prevent a proper seal even with a new high quality gasket.

Are Cometic gaskets compatible with a bored engine?

Cometic offers head gaskets in multiple bore sizes specifically to support bored engines, so confirm actual measured bore diameter rather than assuming stock bore sizing when ordering.

What torque sequence should I use when installing a Cometic head gasket?

Follow the torque sequence and values specified by the engine manufacturer or head bolt and stud manufacturer for the specific platform, since incorrect torque sequence can cause uneven clamping and gasket failure.

Why Buy Cometic Gasket Products from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 711 Cometic Gasket SKUs across domestic, JDM, and European platforms with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build and tune these vehicles themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, and engine to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our engine block, head components, valves and components, and pistons collections.