It seems like most of the time the first thing to go when you get to much power to your engine is the head gaskets. With stock engine what is the max boost/hp you can put on them? Also is there a way to strengthen the head gaskets? See a lot of different types out there but how much is gimick and how much is real?
David
The head gaskets are sort of a "fuse".. the biggest killer of head gaskets is not necessarily boost or HP, but detonation.
With proper fuel management, octane, and controlling spark timing, there are many people using the stock headgaskets at 25 psi and more. Of course, if the tune is a little off or something "hiccups", the first thing (if you're lucky) to go is a headgasket. If hte head gasket holds, it's usually a piston or the rings.... at least they get beat up.
You can use the FelPro 1007 lockwires, O ring the block or heads, or use the Red Armstrong O ring in the head with stock gasket trick, or the steel shim style gaskets. The stock gasket is actually a pretty stout piece and with proper tuning you can get in the 500 HP ballpark without major problems. Massive boost levels actually may raise cylinder pressure enough to lift the head off the block, and in that case, there's not much any gasket will do for you.
That's more a case of beefed up clamping (studs), stiffened heads (exotic and expensive), or stepping up to a Stage block with extra bolt holes.