Head Gaskets!

[RAiMA]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone knew where to get multilayered steel shim gaskets for the M44. We're trying to stay away from copper as they've got their own inherited problems.

Cheers :)

[Turbo-ti]

Just use a stock gasket with head studs it will hold all the boost that little s/c can put out...

[RAiMA]

I wish we could say it could hold all that boost that the supercharger produces. The stock factory head gasket with ARP head studs let go while producing 373bhp on the dyno.

The gasket edge ripped on cylinder 4. It's the only thing holding us back at the moment from increasing the power.

[ClubSport]

Have you called BMP Design? They might be able to do something for you.

[RAiMA]

Have you called BMP Design? They might be able to do something for you.

Yeah, I've already tried. BMP have the perfect product for the S14. We sent them an email to see if they could do something for the M44. We haven't had any luck, same with VAC motorsports.

The weird thing is, we need 4 of them, so it's not like it's a once off. We've got 3 motors waiting for them. And we're sure that once we get them, there will be others the need them too.

[Turbo-ti]

You say you are running an M44 motor with 373 hp??? You are just asking for trouble no matter what gasket you intent to use, i dont care what you do to that motor it wont take that kind of abuse, to much flex in the block thats y it probably blew at number 4!!! Ive built alot of M44 motors for high horsepower applications and they cant withstand that kind of output. BMW never intended that little motor to produce 300 to 400 horsepower and be reliable in any aspect!!!

[318tibimmer]

I think the motor can handel the power if it is built - you can't run that kind of power on a stock motor, you will blow it up. but if you have a built motor (Lots of custom work) then the motor should be able to handel it. I am also looking for stronger head gasket (steel or copper). Thanks

[J!m]

You guys are scaring me again...

[bimmerboi318]

my opinion guys, yes it's completely possible to make an m42 or m44 with crazy power. we've seen it done. money can do wonders. however, it's really hard to do that and keep a drivable and reliable car. anything more than a DASC would be pushing my trust in the long run.

[RAiMA]

Thanks Turbo ti, you just put a smile on my face :)

Beleive it or not, the car is a daily driver and it's a testament to BMW's building rock solid engines.

As you may have figured out, this is not a stock M44, and we have built things accordingly to the specifaction goals we intend to acheive. Our goal is 388bhp.

[bimmerboi318]

hey if you can do it and keep it drivable, more power to ya. 8-) i know mine has put up with my abuse for the past 3 years, is at 110000 miles and still runs GREAT. keeping this on the head gasket subject, i've noticed SLIGHT oil seepage on the exhaust side of the head gasket. although recent compression and leakdown tests have shown everything is just fine. higher mileage engine with synthetic oil, im guessing it's normal.

one more thing, what are the oem gaskets made of? i thought they'd be a steel shim style (mls?) but maybe im wrong.

[ClubSport]

Here is an email I got from VAC motorsports last week when I asked if they carry an MLS head gasket for the M42:


We were given a delivery time yesterday of about 4-6 weeks. We will
see if
the manufacturer will live up to this delivery date.

Please feel free to check back with us.

Thanks,

Tony Salloum
President
VAC Motorsports
2515 Snyder Ave.
Phila. PA 19145
215.462.4666

[RAiMA]

We're taking a different direction. We've been waiting for 4 or 5 months now, I think we've been patient enough.

[FuMa]

I know it's a little bit late, but have you ever thought of using a head gasket from a S42. DelageSport in france made a ti which is being used in European rally's, they've putted a S42 in.
http://www.delagesport.com

Don't know if it will fit, but maybe these guys can help you out. Another tuner in Europe is Kempower, they built in S42's too, maybe they can give you some more info about it.
http://www.kempower.be/

[m44ic]

www.vacmotorsport.com