Cometic 96-07 Dodge Viper 4.060 inch Bore .045 inch MLS Head Gasket

Factory-Matched Sealing for the Dodge Viper 8.0L and 8.3L V10 Engine

The Cometic C5814-045 is a precision-engineered Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gasket built specifically for the 1996-2007 Dodge Viper with the 8.0L V10 and 8.3L V10 engines. Cometic C5814-045 features a 4.060 inch bore and a compressed thickness of .045 inch, making it the right choice for stock and mildly built Viper engines running standard bore dimensions. The three-layer stainless steel construction with Viton fluoroelastomer rubber coating on both embossed outer layers delivers reliable cylinder sealing without the need for additional sealants. Whether you are replacing a failed OEM gasket or refreshing a high-mileage Viper engine, the C5814-045 provides the factory-level sealing integrity that the Viper platform demands. Cometic C5814-045 is manufactured to meet the critical tolerances of the Dodge Viper 8.0L Gen 2 and 8.3L Gen 3 V10 powerplants, ensuring consistent compression and long-term durability across both engine generations.

Key Features

• 3-layer Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) construction for superior sealing performance
• 4.060 inch bore diameter matches the factory Dodge Viper V10 cylinder specification
• .045 inch compressed thickness for standard deck height engines
• Embossed stainless steel outer layers with Viton fluoroelastomer rubber coating on both sides
• Viton coating is heat resistant up to 250°C / 482°F for reliable performance under high combustion temps
• Uncoated stainless steel center shim layer provides variable thickness compliance
• No sealants required; installs dry for clean, repeatable results
• Compatible with the 1996-2002 Gen 2 Viper 8.0L V10 and the 2003-2006 Gen 3 Viper 8.3L V10
• Sold individually; one gasket per package (head gaskets are sold per cylinder head)

Vehicle Fitment

Specifications

What's Included

• 1x Cometic C5814-045 MLS Head Gasket

Frequently Asked Questions

The C5814-045 fits 1996-2002 Dodge Viper RT/10 and GTS (8.0L V10), the 1999-2002 GTS ACR, and the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 (8.3L V10) including the 2006 SRT-10 Coupe variant. Always verify your bore size before ordering.

MLS stands for Multi-Layer Steel. The C5814-045 uses three stainless steel layers, with embossed outer layers coated in Viton rubber, to create a highly conformable, reusable seal. MLS gaskets are the preferred choice for performance engines because they tolerate minor surface imperfections and high combustion pressures better than composite gaskets.

No. The C5814-045 installs completely dry. Adding sealant can actually contaminate the Viton coating and compromise the seal. Clean, flat mating surfaces are all that is required for proper sealing.

The C5814 series is available in multiple compressed thicknesses such as .027, .040, .045, and .051 inch. The C5814-045 at .045 inch is the standard replacement thickness for stock deck height Viper engines. Thinner gaskets are typically used on engines with milled heads or decks to restore the correct compression ratio.

Cometic recommends a surface finish of 60 Ra (Ra = roughness average) or smoother for MLS gaskets. Rough, pitted, or improperly machined surfaces can prevent proper sealing even with a high-quality MLS gasket like the C5814-045.

The Cometic C5814-045 is sold individually, meaning one gasket per package. The Dodge Viper V10 uses two cylinder heads, so a complete engine rebuild requires two C5814-045 gaskets, one for each cylinder bank.

MLS gaskets should not be reused once they have been torqued and seated. The embossed sealing beads on the outer layers conform to the mating surfaces during initial torque and will not reseal reliably if removed and reinstalled. Always use a new C5814-045 for any reassembly.

Yes. The 1999-2002 Dodge Viper GTS ACR uses the same 8.0L V10 engine as the standard GTS, with the same bore dimensions. The C5814-045 is a correct fitment for the GTS ACR cylinder heads.

The C5814-045 at .045 inch is a standard thickness gasket. For forced induction builds with elevated cylinder pressure, many builders choose a thicker MLS option to provide additional compression ratio reduction and a more robust seal. Consult with your engine builder to determine the appropriate thickness for your specific application and boost level.

The standard bore size for the Dodge Viper Gen 2 8.0L V10 and Gen 3 8.3L V10 is 4.020 inches (stock). The C5814-045 has a 4.060 inch bore, which provides proper clearance around the cylinder bore perimeter to accommodate the cylinder deck and ensure the gasket sits correctly. This is the standard Cometic bore spec for this application, not an oversize bore gasket.

Installation Notes

1. Thoroughly clean all mating surfaces on the cylinder head and engine block, removing all traces of the old gasket, carbon deposits, and debris.
2. Inspect the cylinder head and block deck surfaces for warpage and surface finish. Machine if necessary to achieve a 60 Ra or smoother finish.
3. Verify the bore and deck height are within specification before selecting gasket thickness.
4. Install the C5814-045 dry; do not apply any gasket sealant, RTV, or adhesive to the gasket surfaces.
5. Position the gasket with the "THIS SIDE UP" or manufacturer orientation indicator facing the cylinder head if present.
6. Install the cylinder head carefully and start all head bolts by hand.
7. Torque head bolts in the manufacturer-specified sequence and stages using the correct torque specifications for the Dodge Viper V10 engine.
8. Follow the recommended re-torque procedure after the initial heat cycle if specified by your engine builder or Dodge service manual.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.