So my car has failed me already (33,000 miles) and I blew a head gasket. I got tuned at the end of September @ Ivey with the following mods – putting down around 327whp, 333tq @ 26psi

Turbo XS TBE
HKS Panel Drop-in
DSM FMIC
DSM UICP
AEM AFR
AEM Tru-boost
Torque Solution SS w/ bushings
Ivey Tuned using Cobb

About a month after my tune I started overboosting over 30psi (got the awc error that pops up). I probably hit it 3 or 4 times. Called the shop and they had me lower the duty cycles for the colder weather.

My car started running kind of weird about a week ago so I checked out the engine bay and my coolant reservoir tank was empty with no apparent leaks. I brought it to a performance shop and they found no leaks in the lines or the water pump and determined it was the head gasket.

So just a few questions

1. Is this a common problem and what caused it.
2. What else should I get done while I’m getting the gasket replaced? Right now I’m going with a COMETIC gasket and ARP studs.
3. Could it be anything other than the head gasket?

 

While it's torn down so much toss in pistons and rods. Save yourself the headache later

 

If the head gasket is blown you would likely blow it out of the coolant reservior.
If you need us to check and diagnose call and bring it in.

Sean

 

Thanks - im almost 4 hours away though. Hoping this fixes the problem. Anything else i should have tge guys check?

 

I would do a compression test and leakdown test before tackling that cost/job.

 

Ended up being a blown gasket and did some damage to 2 of the heads. Had them machined this week and hopefully getting my car back tomorrow.

Also as an FYI - My timing belt was already showing signs of stretching at 33,000 miles. I did some research and mitsu just released an updated chain to address the issue. Ordered one up so hopefully this one lasts...

 

The X has timing "chain"; not "belt". It does not stretch as in increasing length-wise.

 

Yea I meant timing chain and referenced the updated chain. The chain certainly does stretch and it's starting to be a problem as the new platform is starting to rack up miles.

Did a quick google search for pics. There is also a class-action suit that some people are putting together.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...etch-pics.html

 

Thanks! I learned something new today.

 

The damn updated chain is near impossible to get - there are 5 on a boat heading to cali. Dealer claims im number 5 but ill believe it when i see it

 

who did the work for you? what did you mean by damage 2 of the head?