Need Custom Head Gasket

[RPMaddict]

Hello all.

I'm searching for companies that will make a custom head gasket to mate an N52 head onto an N54 block. Anyone know of a company who can perform this task?

So this does not trigger a full 'can't or should not do' response, we are a race team using the N54 on a MAXXECU, PI-only, and we can delete the VVT. The resulting lower compression is a plus. We simply want the larger flow head and are having trouble finding a gasket company who will custom design the passages.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ShocknAwe]

How about a N53 head and DI delete?

 

[RPMaddict]

With a 52 everything we require is there without the modifications needed for the 53 (and sourcing). Our series requires stock bodied twins and cannot modify manifolds. We can get away with modifying the head gasket but we are looking to order a few made-to-order if we can find a source.

 

[desmo11]

Cometic.

 

[RPMaddict]

Cometic.

Thank you!

 

[TJ Jrackers]

Thank you!

Let me know if you get anywhere with this, I have been considering this for a while and have a couple of N52 heads that I was intending on using for this. I currently have JE N54 pistons but am unsure whether the N52 valves will clear the N54 style pistons due to the different valve sizes/positions.

Are you planning on machining off the intake cam/valvetronic part of the casting and installing an N54 intake cam ledge?

 

[RPMaddict]

We have a VVT option we use on the 52's that are trying to apply to this. We are doing the research now on the 52 cam duration at +3. Two possibilities at the moment and neither are too much work, but much thought involved and a small margin of error.

You must run a stand-alone to get anywhere. Our Maxx gives us this option to even consider the swap.

Can't run these 52 valves on the JE's to my knowledge without machine work. Even the +1mm pistons is not enough to clear the 52 Ex valves.

 

[TJ Jrackers]

OK interesting, good luck with it. If you end up selling these gaskets, then let me know.

Yea I run a MaxxECU on my N54.

I figured that may be the case, when offering up the stock N54 pistons to the N52 head, the exhaust side reliefs are way off

 

[JohnDaviz]

Actually there is a pretty easy solution to this. Fire Rings!

Get fire rings like in the Athena Head Gasket. This takes care of the cylinder pressure.
Around the oil and water you can go simply by using Silicone (like Elring Dirko HT) with enough curing time before assembling the head. Check the Curing time to get what you need/want

As far as i found some B58 / S58 Engine Builders went this route.

 

[SLOWESTN54]

@JohnDaviz Is there a huge difference between "fire rings" that are machined in, Vs a Athena cut ring style gasket?

 

[JohnDaviz]

There will probably be more options but out of my head i know these three:

1. Fire ring lying flat on the cylinder and cutting into the head
2. Fire ring sitting in a machined groove and cutting into the head
3. O-Ring (copper wire) fitted into receiver groove in head or block

Option 1 is the easy way. You buy it and probably everybody can install it without special tools or special machining. No idea how long this solution is on the market. Learned it only due to my own engine rebuild.
Option 2 is something i have seen only a few times. But can´t remember where i have seen it. Same as Option 1 but with a "seat" in the Block. Probably works a little better.
Option 3 is something done for a very long time now. Needs proper skills/ engine builders. I think the copper is soft enough to not create any indentations on the opposite part.

Could it be that you mean the O-Ring solution with "fire ring machined in"?