TURBHOE

iTrader: (4)

just doing some thinking and i was wondering. who all here has lifted a head on a 5.3 or a 4.8? also was it on stock bolts or on studs?

foose04

iTrader: (3)

I started to have a small amount of coolant along side block/head at 17-18psi and 17 degrees timing on stock bolts/gaskets. Nothing was mixing though and coolant overflow didn't move. I did studs after I noticed it.

TURBHOE

iTrader: (4)

I'm almost willing to bet that once studded the percentage of boosted 5.3/4.8 to head lift is lower than 6.0+ of the same. I'm just asking to get an idea. Not that everybody in the world with boosted 5.3's are on here but still.

AKlowriderZ71

iTrader: (22)

I popped a head gasket on my 5.3, but it had 175,000 miles on stock composite gaskets with stock head bolts. Boosted since around 100K. I'm actually surprised that it held as long as it did.

foose04

iTrader: (3)

They came stock mls is what 03? I remember reading it some where, but my 03 engine had 3 layer mls.

AKlowriderZ71

iTrader: (22)

2002 had MLS gaskets. My 2001 had composites in it.

smokeshow

iTrader: (16)

You'd be right.. Less area to push against so less stress on the head. That's why studs are even more critical on 6.0s.

TURBHOE

iTrader: (4)

this is my exact thought. just didnt want to put it out there yet until i did more research.

TURBHOE

iTrader: (4)

this is one of my reasonings to doing a stroker 5.3 vs a 6.0. plus smaller flame front and bla bla bla. lol

smokeshow

iTrader: (16)

Could always go 1/2" on the studs...lol. Strokers are inherently better for fuel efficiency as you've probably read, so if thats what you're going for then I'm in for results.