Building a motor/vq37vhr general knowledge

xsamis

CSS will not prevent head lift, that is a misconception. Darton sleeves CAN drop so i would advise against those also. Im currently in talks with a few people to solve the head lift problem once and for all but i have sent out 2 spare blocks to see who can get what i want done correctly. Its a process. There are a few solutions to the headlift currently. The first is getting CSS with the copper hoops and that is known to be pretty good but you have to pair them with 625+ studs.

shadow85

Nice to know you are sorting out the head lift issue.

You say there are currently a few solutions to the head lift. That is getting css with copper hoops, that has to be paired with 625+ studs. If that is a solution, why don't you or other people all go that route? Why is it made to be sounded that is hard to do or something?

isayimandrew

If I'm not mistaken, the CSS solution does prevent head lift up to a certain point but for anyone making huge amounts of power the issue pops back up. I am running that exact set up and under 800 whp so its not an issue for me. I think Spooler mentioned going over 800 whp is where head lift becomes an issue.

Spooler

That's right. If you use a quality MLS and head studs with the CSS it should hold at that level as long as your turbo and turbo kit are designed correctly. If you want more you have to do something to create more sealing pressure.

Examples:
Darton sleeves with step deck cut block, Quality MLS, Head studs
CSS with a copper o-ring/Quality MLS with headstuds.
CSS with Top fuel hoops, copper headgasket, Head studs.

Every one of these solutions can be broken if you don't do not size your turbos properly and do not have an optimal turbo kit. High drive pressure will take out a headgasket with the quickness. Too high of cylinder pressure to low in the rpm range will make our blocks dance. We are not able to push our blocks like other platforms can. At 800whp or above one little tuning mistake or pushing your small turbos too hard will cause major grief. You have to know when to stop turning up the boost. You will get warning signs before destruction happens. A standalone with sensors is worth it and will pay for itself. One rebuild will cost more than the cost of a standalone.

Spooler

Darton sleeves do not drop IF the machine work is done properly. So, rethink your process.