Blown head gasket on turbo 4.0L

[PseudoSport]

Hello,

Recently we blew the head gasket on our turbocharged 4.0L. We had replaced it a few years ago with a Felpro HD gasket which I believe is a MSL before we installed the turbo. Not sure why it failed since I was not data logging at the time but I think we had a boost spike due to the wastegate lines getting mixed up. When we replaced the gasket we did reuse the old head bolts and the surfaces were scraped clean with razor (no scotch brite or machine work). We’re running a 50 trim T3/T4 turbo at 12 psi making 274whp. Are there any other gaskets I should consider when we put the engine back together? Maybe stick with the same gasket and run APR head studs? This is also a budget build so I’m trying to avoid o-ringing the block and installing a copper gasket.

[FlyinRyan]

Wondering if the gasket was due to timing. Think I lost your #....buzz me.

[SIXPAK]

Cometic now offers a MLS gasket for the 4.0. I was using a copper head gasket with O-rings and reciever grooves but I am going to try the Cometic this year. just FYI

[PseudoSport]

Yeah timing could have defiantly taken it out. There were a bunch of things working against us that day. Timing map is not scaled for anything above 12 psi. 20 psi gets the same timing as 12 psi. Also it looks like over boost protection was tuned off. I never expected someone to go messing with the wastegate hoses and have it not open. Still I should have made sure there was some safety in the tune. Oh and we only have enough fuel to support 10 psi. At 12 psi injectors are maxed out and the pump can’t keep up. Plan was to only run wastegate pressure that day which is why the hoses were messed with in the first place. Ha, oh well.

Didn't know Cometic makes a MLS one now. Just looked it up and its expensive but cheaper then going copper and o-rings.

[PseudoSport]

Has anyone tried the Felpro 26211 PT which is a MLS gasket? Think it's any better then the VICTOR REINZ 54249 MLS gasket?

[SIXPAK]

Cometic does make a head gasket for the 4.0 now. Perfect application for you.

[PseudoSport]

I’m shopping for the turbo AMC Spirit which I’m building for the $2014 GRM Challenge. The Cometic one would be great for the Jeep since I don’t see it going back to the challenge. I’m looking for something better then stock and cheap for the AMC since the budget it tight. Leaning toward the VICTOR REINZ 54249 since it comes in the head set.