243 Head Gaskets FI

**1slowbusa** · 03-09-2011, 02:15 PM

Ok here the deal i am going to install wrapped tsp headers and catted y pipe with STS turb system and a g5x3 112 cam. I also have 243 head i am going to install. Using PRC valve springs on the heads.
Question is what head bolts do i need and what is the best head gasket to go with due to the Force induction?
Thanks

**blackSS01** · 03-10-2011, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by 1slowbusa

Ok here the deal i am going to install wrapped tsp headers and catted y pipe with STS turb system and a g5x3 112 cam. I also have 243 head i am going to install. Using PRC valve springs on the heads.
Question is what head bolts do i need and what is the best head gasket to go with due to the Force induction?
Thanks

Go with ARP head bolts, they will hold boost nicely compared to other bolts or stock bolts. With head gasket, I would think stock would do a good enough job. Never really hear about people getting different head gaskets for FI.

**Johnstonj2005** · 03-10-2011, 04:59 PM

Cometic head gaskets are the top dog but at like $200 a set, unless your changing thicknesses for lower/higher compression, I would go oem gm gaskets

**1slowbusa** · 03-11-2011, 01:59 AM

Thanks for the replies

**TA98** · 03-11-2011, 05:36 AM

i saw that you bought the TSP headers and catted Y. If thats the TSP Y pipe its not going to bolt up to those headers without alot a work.

**1slowbusa** · 03-11-2011, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by T/A98

i saw that you bought the TSP headers and catted Y. If thats the TSP Y pipe its not going to bolt up to those headers without alot a work.

What do you mean alot of work? Cutting and welding? I had a 2001 camaro ss with TSP and non catted y pipe and everything went together very well.

**bluehawk2** · 03-11-2011, 11:59 AM

arp bolts or studs I would prefer the studs, but they are expensive. You get a little better clamping force out of the studs. Either way you can reuse both.

Stock MLS gaskets work perfectly for boost

**1slowbusa** · 03-11-2011, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by bluehawk2

arp bolts or studs I would prefer the studs, but they are expensive. You get a little better clamping force out of the studs. Either way you can reuse both.

Stock MLS gaskets work perfectly for boost

Been doing some research on the arp stud and i believe i will invest in a set of those.

Question though
there are 2 sets of gaskets listed
- For 97-01' style heads, buy 1 pair of headgaskets (1x GMPN 12498543)
- For 02-03' style heads, buy 1 pair of headgaskets (1x GMPN 12498544)
I do not know what year my 243 heads come off of so how can i tell which one to go with? Is there anyway of telling by looking at the heads?
Thanks,

**1slowbusa** · 03-13-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by bluehawk2

arp bolts or studs I would prefer the studs, but they are expensive. You get a little better clamping force out of the studs. Either way you can reuse both.

Stock MLS gaskets work perfectly for boost

Which set do you recommend?
Head Studs
03 & Earlier = 234-4110 (Hex Nuts)
03 & Earlier = 234-4316 (12pt Nuts)

Also, are there any clearance issues when installing the heads with the studs in?
Thanks

**blackSS01** · 03-13-2011, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by 1slowbusa

Been doing some research on the arp stud and i believe i will invest in a set of those.

Question though
there are 2 sets of gaskets listed
- For 97-01' style heads, buy 1 pair of headgaskets (1x GMPN 12498543)
- For 02-03' style heads, buy 1 pair of headgaskets (1x GMPN 12498544)
I do not know what year my 243 heads come off of so how can i tell which one to go with? Is there anyway of telling by looking at the heads?
Thanks,

243 heads are 243 heads. They didn't change in size.

**mark21742** · 03-15-2011, 10:45 AM

What made you decide on that cam? 112lsa is pretty tight for FI... you'll bleed off more boost. When you get the studs make sure you get the right series...1 was the early design with a short bolt on each end and 2nf design had all the same length bolts

**1slowbusa** · 03-15-2011, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by mark21742

What made you decide on that cam? 112lsa is pretty tight for FI... you'll bleed off more boost. When you get the studs make sure you get the right series...1 was the early design with a short bolt on each end and 2nf design had all the same length bolts

I had the cam before i bought the turbo system. Just figured i would use it instead of purchaseing a new cam. Will there be any major problems with this setup? 5 PSI is what i will want to run on the setup which should give me 500rwhp. This is my goal. The car is not going to be a daily driver, it sits in the garage and will be taken on vacation trips and to cruises. Also for now and probably until next winter, i am not going to install the turbo system, just the cam and heads.
I just purchased the ARP Head bolts 234-4110. These should work right?
Thanks for you input

**NvyBluMtlc02WS6** · 03-15-2011, 03:48 PM

Good luck with the STS. I've heard lots of bad things about them.

**mark21742** · 03-15-2011, 05:47 PM

Nope I don't see a problem with it, just normally FI setups run a little wider lsa

Originally Posted by 1slowbusa

I had the cam before i bought the turbo system. Just figured i would use it instead of purchaseing a new cam. Will there be any major problems with this setup? 5 PSI is what i will want to run on the setup which should give me 500rwhp. This is my goal. The car is not going to be a daily driver, it sits in the garage and will be taken on vacation trips and to cruises. Also for now and probably until next winter, i am not going to install the turbo system, just the cam and heads.
I just purchased the ARP Head bolts 234-4110. These should work right?
Thanks for you input

**1slowbusa** · 03-15-2011, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by NvyBluMtlc02WS6

Good luck with the STS. I've heard lots of bad things about them.

I have done alot of research and there are some things that need to be done to make it a good product. I believe i can make it work. We shall see.

**1slowbusa** · 03-16-2011, 11:11 AM

Will these gaskets be to thin for my setup with the G5X3 112LSA??
cometic head gasket, p#c5475-040 3.910 bore with .040

**mark21742** · 03-16-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by 1slowbusa

Will these gaskets be to thin for my setup with the G5X3 112LSA??
cometic head gasket, p#c5475-040 3.910 bore with .040

Is recommend the .051" gaskets if your pistons are coming a hair out of the block.

What part of PA are you in? I'm down here just out of chambersburg pa

**1slowbusa** · 03-16-2011, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by mark21742

Is recommend the .051" gaskets if your pistons are coming a hair out of the block.

What part of PA are you in? I'm down here just out of chambersburg pa

I live in Pen Argyl. But i travel for a living, i am currently in Brazil. The modifications are going to be my project when i am at home.

Thanks for the information on the gaskets.