High Compression Head Gasket?

[DC2R8D]

Hey guys,
might be a bit of a noob question but yea,
someone mentioned to me to buy a "high compression head gasket" to increase my compression ratio... i havent heard of this before and havent really seen any cars list that they have one...? anyone used one or know how they work? are they useful at all?
cheers

[ChargeR]

A thinner head gasket to raise your compression a little, hopefully without running into any issues with valve/piston interference. More compression is sometimes a good thing.

I believe that the major Japanese tuners tend to make them such as Toda, Spoon Sports, Mugen ETC.

[DC2R8D]

ahhkk interesting...
u know anyone whos used one? wouldnt mind some feedback...
usually u raise compression with the hi comp valves yee?

[m0nty]

I would speak to Phil Donato (Dr Honda) before cracking open a Honda engine. Some mods can actually take you backwards. If changing a head gasket to achieve higher compression netted gains everyone would be doing it.

[DC2R8D]

that was my thought process too...
cheers monty

[spyda00]

I currently use a Head gasket to lower my compression on the Teg. you may need an aftermarket computer eg Honda etc to cope with the change

[m0nty]

I currently use a Head gasket to lower my compression on the Teg. you may need an aftermarket computer eg Honda etc to cope with the change

Why do you lower compression? Is your car boosted?

[DC2R8D]

yee not worried about computer.. got a aftermarket ecu... just dont understand how it would work to increase or in ur case decrease compression.. and why did u want to decrease compression?

[spyda00]

supercharged. its ok at 7psi but at 9psi+ long term needs lowering

[DC2R8D]

ahh righto... understood

[tinkerbell]

If changing a head gasket to achieve higher compression netted gains everyone would be doing it.

yeah, cause 6 hrs labour is free isnt it?

OP - yes, increasing compression ratio by thinner head gasket you can increase power.

but it also increased RISK to damage if you dont make sure the pistons wont contact the valves, or that your can control the increased combustion temperature...

you can also increase compression by:

milling the head
flat face valves
higher compression pistons
decking the block.

and to answer this:

just dont understand how it would work to increase or in ur case decrease compression..

the head gasket fits between the head and the engine block.

the compression ratio is calculated by looking at how much the gas is compressed.

if you move the head closer to the piston (by thinner head gasket) the ratio obviously increases.

see here for a useful compression ratio calculator:

http://www.zealautowerks.com/

[DC2R8D]

ahh alot of information tink.. cheers but also a lot of new terms iv never heard of before lol still learning... im still waiting on a FULL parts list from my mechanic.. but all in all whats been done is bottom end boared out polished ect.. bigger forged pistons and forged rods.. not 100% sure if any of the valve train was changed i shall find out tho but yee now planning to put some better toda cams in it.. in addition to the norm I/H/E plus tune.. so hoping this will get me a bit of power.. any suggestions at all..?

[tinkerbell]

nah, if you have already got forged pistons - it is 'likely' that these would be "high compression" style ones anyways... so a thinner head gasket might not help much and might actually be risky...

just get the info from whoever built he engine and post up here - we can discuss it for hours if you like!

also - is there a problem now? like is the power delivery OK and you just want MORE! or does it feel 'down on power'?

[RichyR]

Is your engine unopened? If so, I wouldn't bother as yet until you do some engine work. Remember combination is the key. Talk to an engine builder/tuner to see what is best for you. As the guys have said, be mindful of the clearance.

[DC2R8D]

well with the bigger block iv gained alot more torque like wen i first bought my type r i loved it but felt it was quite wear untill VTEC kicked in.. but it pulls now then wen tec kicks in it hammers so im happy with that... but yee i want more refined power now.. and yee cars are my hobby and passion so to me my car will never be finished untill i find another one lol... what r ur thoughts on Spec C's? i need new springs and thought to get new retainers but was told i could use my standard retainers and to hav a look at supertech springs?