Fellas, 2nd large motor drop of mine with this car. Ive had this motor rebuilt back in 2011 due to a failed camshaft that is a notorious issue with these motors, with that said I went into the motor and had my local tech put 10mm EVOMS head studs, Carrillo rods, and the necessary gaskets to get her back running. about 30k hard miles later, and a few high speed runs vs some 1000cc motorcycles and I found and saw coolant leaking and some smoke out of the tail pipes. The car sounded different instantly and my local tech concluded that the head gasket popped. Just trying to get in the right direction on where to go next and what the next step could be with a budget in mind.
I am questionable about many setups and curious to see what you guys think. I have the idea of doing 12mm head studs and gaskets the very least, was thinking maybe some porting but not sure exactly what is best. ANY INFO or opinions is appreciated fellow 6speeders.

 

How much power or boost are you running? Also, did you rebuild with the factory head gaskets or with something like our upgraded ones?

The 10mm studs are reliable for a rated 1000hp at the crankshaft, with a safety margin above that for overboosts, the unknown, etc., but if you're beyond that you may go beyond their clamping capabilities. If you're consistently running above 1000hp, the 12mm are going to be virtually indestructible. We've run beyond 45psi on 12mm head studs and our head gaskets without having stretch or sealing issues.

 

Car is running about 29lbs of boost on externally gated 3076s; my local tech TKX Performance showcases EVOMS products and had me on the 10mm head studs, upgraded gaskets and Cariillo rods, Now im looking for the next step.. Not sure exactly what the motor could use, but need to be somewhat competitive with these faster cars and somewhat budget.

 

good luck Salerno, unfortunately I have no advice for you. But reading threads like this reinforces my belief that I shouldn't open the engine until I have no choice (something bad happens or the camshaft issue pops up again).

 

Is it an external coolant leak or is it coming out the tail pipe? That boost level should not be a problem for those head studs and head gaskets if everything is working well, though it is on the upper end of their range. An overboost or something like detonation may have pushed them over their limit, or you may have damaged a cylinder. No way to tell without pulling the engine apart at this point.

12mm head studs would provide the clamping force you need to go bigger and better down the road and will eliminate any concern about head sealing ever again. We also recommend replacing the stock liners with something stronger if you're significantly beyond 800whp, which requires new pistons--and it's the same price to go 3.8L at that point. Upgraded cams will let the engine breathe much better over 6000rpm, and you may want to start to consider head work (porting and bigger valves) as well for a similar benefit.

Talk to Taso at TKX or shoot me a message or email (sstone@evoms.com) for more information on what we can offer.

 

Hello there , am running your 10 head studs with ESmotor oring head gaskets with no issues .. 950AWHP since 1 year and do street racing a lot


Op: Sorry to hear that , hope you fix it .. My advise to get upgraded camshafts , it will useful ..
Good luck

 

Sorry to hear about your issue. I would send the motor DHL to Evoms and have John take a look at it. Trust me John is the man to build these engines.