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I think the last ones (88-89) may have had a mutli layer steel (MLS) head gasket. I think the ajusa is too, as is the HKS. There's a solid copper off summit. The felpro turbo head gasket is good. Multilayer steel is best on the turbo motors. I like the felpro turbo gasket as a good tough carb motot gasket for the price.

A stock head gasket is fine if it's never overheated, and this includes an open exhaust, as cat blockage will fry a 2.6 carb head over time, and a turbo head faster.

The best mod on a 2.6 is head studs and a 3row radiator and good fan clutch and intact shroud.


thanks!

i've always used multi layer metal HG on hondas, NA or boosted, so i'm familiar.

i was thinking about head studs, just as an added precaution. they make much more sense than bolts IMO. AND to make life easier IF i need to remove the head again. i never re-use head bolts, even if they measure out, but i'm ok with re-using head studs if they measure out.

SO...if i were to get a HG from a given manufacturer, i can simply use Starion stuff, eh? Does it matter what year?

as far as studs, it looks like ARP has it broken down by engine and for the G54B they have P/N 207-4202

i have to figure out what "U/C" studs means...

'87 swb 5spd 2.6L Montero, >150k miles. Pretty much bone stock as purchased from user ToddStidham1, 'cept some Hella 500's, 700's and Hella ECE headlight conversions.

6'4", 315lbs