Ok, as soon as my clutch gets in my hand im off to get my installation done. At the same time thats being done im going to take the head off. I have decided to upgrade to HKS 272 cams and ARP head studs... But should I reuse my stock head gasket or "upgrade" to a Toda 1.5mm head gasket? Does anyone know anything about this, whether infact it is an upgrade? 1.5mm will allow to run more boost correct?

"With ever improving tuning technology, the pressure increases found in the combustion chamber can become a problem. Improved gas sealing is a high priority when increasing the power output of any engine. The sealing system is made of two sections, a ring and bead, forming a strong seal. TODA headgaskets are highly recommended when increasing boost pressure in the Evo. " -vividracing.com

 

1.5 mm is also going to drop your compression....kind of a cheesy way to do things if you ask me.

I'd personally fit something like the HKS standard thickness gasket (might even be very similar to the stock one, ahve not seen the OEM one for an 8 yet) unless you were going hog wild with a complete motor build