Does timing play a role in stressing a stock head gasket to the point of failure? If the boost was set at 35psi max, what could the timing be and still be sure the stock gasket would have a very long life?

 

For a few years I ran NO waistgate on my twins, none at all on either turbo. Now, just a couple months ago, I use a 60mm waistgate that bypasses at about 30psi on the hx35. Ive been running up to 60 psi for several years. Now I think I could see more then 60 pretty easy, but it goes through the hear so fast empty its hard to tell. I run a water heater low off at about 58 anyways, and I have no odea if its ever opened.

I pull hills at just over 26k lbs at 40psi, with the egt hovering around 1350 with the probe about 1 inch from the exhuast port on the #5 cylinder.

Edit: stock head, stock bolts, stock gasket, 225k miles.

 

If only all were like that

I'm going to put my turbo on on a stock head, just see how long it goes, then I'll do: gasket, studs, o-rings. But I guess to me no point in spending money before you have to even if it would be for good preventive measures

But I have ran my stock hx35 at 40psi for over 3 years now, so I'd say 30 psi you'd be pretty safe.

 

Some guys have popped their head gasket with just the addition of an Edge Comp.

Some guys have twins and push 60 psi boost.

It seems to be somewhat hit or miss. I have noticed a trend with HO motors popping HG at less boost than SO motors. HO's have more compression!

Timing raises cylinder pressure. It's all a balancing act for sure!