Head Gaskets

What This Category Covers

The Head Gaskets category groups together the sealing components that sit between the cylinder head and engine block, along with related top end gasket kits. Coverage spans multi layer steel (MLS) head gaskets, DST cylinder head gaskets in multiple thickness options, top end gasket kits that include valve cover and intake gaskets, and application specific gaskets sized to exact bore diameter.

Multi Layer Steel Head Gaskets

Cometic MLS head gaskets use multiple layers of stainless steel to seal combustion pressure more consistently than composite gaskets, making them the standard choice for performance and forced induction engines.

DST Cylinder Head Gaskets

DST head gaskets from Cometic are available in multiple thickness options such as 0.063 inch and 0.071 inch, letting builders fine tune static compression ratio on GM LS and LSX and Chrysler Hellcat Gen 3 HEMI engines.

Bore Size and Thickness Selection

Head gasket bore diameter and thickness directly affect compression ratio and sealing at the cylinder wall, so matching the gasket to the actual bore of the block after boring or sleeving is critical.

Forced Induction Applications

Turbocharged and supercharged engines including RB26DETT, SR20DET, B58, and S58 platforms benefit from thicker MLS gaskets that reduce static compression while maintaining a reliable seal under sustained boost pressure.

Naturally Aspirated Applications

Naturally aspirated engines including small block GM LS, Ford Windsor, and Datsun L28 platforms typically run thinner gaskets to maximize compression ratio for street or track performance builds.

Top End Gasket Kits

Top end gasket kits bundle the head gasket with valve cover gaskets, intake gaskets, and other related seals needed for a complete cylinder head service in one package.

Complete Kits for Nissan KA24DE

Top end gasket kits for Nissan KA24DE engines include all gaskets needed for head removal and reinstallation, reducing the need for multiple separate part orders during a head gasket job.

Import and European Platform Coverage

Head gaskets in this collection cover import and European performance platforms including Nissan RB26DETT and SR20DET, Subaru EJ20 and EJ series turbo engines, BMW S58 and B58TU, and VW/Audi 1.8L and 2.0L turbo four cylinders.

Domestic Performance Platform Coverage

Domestic coverage includes GM LS and LSX Gen 3 and Gen 4 small block V8, Chrysler 6.2L Hellcat Gen 3 HEMI, and Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 applications used in high output street and race builds.

Top Head Gasket Brands

• Cometic Gasket. MLS and DST head gaskets across the widest range of bore sizes and thicknesses for domestic and import engines
• HKS. SMG metal head gaskets for Nissan RB26DETT and SR20DET platforms
• Fleece Performance. OE replacement head gaskets for Dodge Cummins diesel trucks

How to Choose the Correct Head Gasket

• Confirm the exact engine code, not just the vehicle year, make, and model
• Measure actual bore diameter after any boring or sleeving before ordering
• Select gasket thickness based on your target compression ratio and boost level
• Confirm MLS vs DST construction matches your block deck finish requirements
• Check stud or bolt pattern compatibility, especially when pairing with ARP head studs
• Verify whether a full top end gasket kit is more cost effective than individual gaskets
• Confirm left hand side vs right hand side part number on V configuration engines
• Check deck surface flatness and finish requirements before gasket installation
• Follow manufacturer specified torque sequence and value for the gasket and fastener combination
• Verify coolant and oil passage alignment on the gasket layout for your specific block

Common Questions

What head gasket thickness should I use for my build?

Head gasket thickness selection depends on deck height, target compression ratio, and combustion chamber volume. Thicker gaskets lower compression, which is useful when increasing bore size or running forced induction.

Are ARP head studs required for turbo builds?

ARP head studs are strongly recommended for forced induction applications because they maintain more consistent clamping force than factory head bolts under thermal cycling and high cylinder pressure.

What does MLS mean for a head gasket?

MLS stands for multi layer steel, referring to a gasket built from multiple thin steel layers that seal combustion pressure more reliably than older composite gasket materials under repeated heat cycling.

Do I need to replace head bolts every time I replace a head gasket?

Torque to yield factory head bolts typically require replacement after removal, while ARP head studs are reusable and only require inspection and proper relubrication before reinstallation.

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

A head gasket seals only the head to block joint, while a top end gasket kit bundles the head gasket with valve cover, intake, and other related gaskets needed for a complete cylinder head service.

Can I reuse a head gasket after removing the head?

No. Head gaskets are single use components that lose sealing ability once compressed and removed, so a new gasket should always be installed during reassembly.

How does bore size affect head gasket selection?

The head gasket bore diameter must be equal to or slightly larger than the cylinder bore to avoid interference with the piston or reduced sealing area, especially after a bore or sleeve job.

What causes a head gasket to fail?

Common causes include engine overheating, insufficient or uneven torque during installation, detonation from excessive boost or bad tuning, and warped or improperly machined cylinder heads or blocks.

Do turbo engines need a different gasket than naturally aspirated versions?

Turbocharged and supercharged engines typically use a thicker MLS or DST gasket to reduce static compression and improve sealing margin against higher combustion pressures compared to naturally aspirated tunes.

Should I replace the head gasket when installing new pistons?

Yes. Any time the cylinder head is removed for a piston, ring, or bore service, a new head gasket sized to the updated bore diameter should be installed during reassembly.

Why Buy Head Gaskets from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 601 Head Gaskets SKUs across bore size, gasket thickness, and platform specific categories with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build these engines themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our Engine Block, Head Components, Cometic Gasket, Valves & Components, Pistons, and ARP Head Studs collections to complete your cylinder head build.