types of gaskets?
 

I see there are a few different types of gaskets you can get. What are the differences (good and bad) between metal, graphite, or other types of gaskets? I am curious because I see an entire gasket set on ebay for cheap, but they're all graphite. Opinions? Thanks guys.

If your going for more boost, then buy the metal head gasket. All the others really dont do much, just the head. If you get a metal head gasket, with more boost, its almost a must to buy some ARP head studs, and torque to 115ft lbs. if not increasing boost, i would highly recommend the kit from felpro, very good gasket. The only thing is that you will pay a little more for it. Go to your local parts store to find out.

[QUOTE=ZauggIt1] torque to 115ft lbs. QUOTE]
thats a little over kill if you dont plan on high boost. most ppl torque the head to about 80 ft lbs.

Yeah, thats what i thought, but if you think about it a little more, ARP says with studs you must torque more than bolts. especially if its a alum. head. ARP says 115 ft lbs

Right, so metal if I plan on boosting. But what if I don't? I'm not worried about torquing and what not more along the lines of actual gasket type. Are graphite good for non-boosting applications?

you should just go metal anyway so you dont have to worry about it (do it right the first time) or if you want like a quick fix or are short on money go with the toyota oem one

bumpity bump! old thread but just found out for sure that I have a BHG. I need to know what brands or what specific specs of metal head gaskets are the best. Also, does a BHG always mean a warped or damaged head? I really hope this isn't going to require a machine shops help... :(

"does a BHG always mean a warped or damaged head?"

No, not always. It depends how long the vehicle has been driven with a leaking or blown gasket. My head was perfectly straight but I caught mine very early. Most people just keep driving it and driving it until it finally doesn't run anymore.

You'd be surprised how long these engines can run with a leaking head gasket. I'd bet mine was leaking for years until it finally blew.

As far as machine work, I suggested it in your other post. Why? Well heres some food for thought, how would you feel if you ripped the head off, cleaned everything, spent alot of money on tools and gaskets, reassembled it and it still was leaking because the head is warped and all you had to do was pay $80-$100 to have it cleaned checked and planed? Any professional mechanic would send the head to a machine shop. Only hacks take it apart and slap it back together.