3VZFE MLS Head Gasket or Equivalent???

[hmong337]

I've been searching around and want to know if there is a MLS head gasket for the 3vzfe or something equivalent. I don't want copper!

The best thing I've seen so far is this company out of the UK
http://www.ferriday.co.uk/

^They make a "bi-metal" head gasket but it's royally EXPENSIVE!

There was one source that said Cometic made some but didn't list them. You have to call them.


I'm looking to 3vzfe my MR2

Please list MLS head gaskets for the 3vzfe if you know of any...

[rusty9]

I think you're SOL =) i had the same problem, noone makes MLS for the 3.0. they fixed it for the 5vz because its still in production, but the 5vz has a larger cylinder bore so its gaskets wont work. I settled with toyota graphite and modified arp head studs.

[hmong337]

I hope there is an option with cometic. I will have to call them to verify. There was somebody from germany iirc that got a set from cometic to redo his 3vzfe in his mr2. He just said to call the service department. But if all's a myth, I'll probably cough up for the Ferriday gaskets. I will not be looking forward to that!

I heard the big reason why the 3vz headgaskets fail are due to the head bolts? Not sure if that's true or not but ARP's are a must in all my projects.

I just don't see a point in replacing crappy oem composite gaskets with crappy oem composites or equivalents.

[rusty9]

well in reality, they are a pretty good choice because of the iron/aluminum combo. i mean they lasted for 100k+ miles in normal conditions. i think it really comes down to surface finish and proper installation.

i still think this is a good choice for stock to somewhat mild boost applications as long as they arent taxed by too much heat from leaning out. otherwise, like the old sayings go, you get what you pay for, and do it right the first time. shell out the extra bucks for those bi-metal if you are planning boost and want peace of mind.

[hmong337]

Originally Posted by rusty9

well in reality, they are a pretty good choice because of the iron/aluminum combo. i mean they lasted for 100k+ miles in normal conditions. i think it really comes down to surface finish and proper installation.

i still think this is a good choice for stock to somewhat mild boost applications as long as they arent taxed by too much heat from leaning out. otherwise, like the old sayings go, you get what you pay for, and do it right the first time. shell out the extra bucks for those bi-metal if you are planning boost and want peace of mind.

Well I just like the insurance... Might as well do it right the first time. I still find it disappointing that they "only" lasted 100k+ in normal conditions when other cars have never seen a bhg in their entire life- 500k+

And plans for boost are always in the mix... An mr2 with a turbo 3vz blew his stock hg at only ~330whp. That's so little

[rusty9]

I know what you mean. But there are many reasons besides HP that cause a HG to blow. Hell, the machine shop that rebuilt my 3vz probably didnt install them right and one side blew after ~2k miles at 200hp :P and im sure theres plenty of anecdotal evidence to say the opposite as well.

[LynchburgCSI]

Why not copper?

[hmong337]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Why not copper?

I'm not building a race car.

[EEngineer]

i've been searching for those forever as well, but it looks like you gotta contact a manufacturer and pay the big bucks for some prototype custom MLS HGs

[Brandoe91]

@hmong what did you do with the es300?