would like to get some work done on the head b4 adding alot of HP.. just wonderin what all there is to do while the head is off id like to do it all in one shot... i really don't know what my HP goals are but knowing me its never enough so i would like to get every thing prepared for ALOT OF HP instead of having to have it re done... just would like to know what some things i can do are , what there benifits are and aprox cost... thnx

 

I realy wouldnt worry about doing any work to the head itself, however getting a better head gasket and head studs will go a long way to holding what ever power you want.

 

Hey Drew, Can you explain the benifits of getting an engine "fire ringed". I think that I've seen ATS advertising this service. Is that their so-called head service, or is that a across the board procedure that everyone does. I imagine that it helps along the way as in using larger head studs eh? Just wondering........Thanks

 

bigger headstud need removing the block and boring it to accomodated 14mm stud instead of 12mm,sure its stronger,
fire ring is grooving the head for installed a steel ring that seal the combustion chamber instead of letting the gasket doing this job

 

dead on right there.

you will also hear about o-ringing the head. . .it is the same process except instead of a steel ring, a rubber o-ring is used to seal the cylinder. o-ringing the head will help if you are pushing higher HP and boost numbers, but fire ringing will hold the most.

 

What kind of power numbers are we talking about to justify doing this kind of head work? For the Studs and the ringing?

 

the stock head on 3rd gens is able to handle a bit over 500hp, maybe 550. over that studs are needed with aftermarket HG. once you venture into the 600+ that is a good time to go ahead and think about ringing the deck.