Max boost using fiber headgasket?

[TedV]

Since Tyler is having such luck getting info on the GTD intercooler, I have to add another.  Haven’t found what I want in the searches.

How much boost have folks been able to run using the OEM style fiber mechanical lifter head gasket on a 1.6TD?

In my autocross Scirocco the rules state I must use OEM equivalent gaskets.  The metal hydro gasket is not considered to be equivalent.  I can’t legally use a metal gasket. Please don’t tell me to run it, but thanks tho.  If VW has a superceded part number or tech bulletin stating a metal one can be used, I could.

I’ve been running 21psi using a Goetze fiber gasket.  Head torqued to 100 ft-lbs.  Turbo is stock K24, waste gate opens at stock pressure, but it only sees it when the boost controller lets it.  Giles super pump. I had too much home front aggravation this year and I’ve not been able to run National Tour events this year, but have won the local championship 2 years in a row.  There are a bunch of faster cars being moved into FSP, Neon, light Civic DX now on same line as Si, etc.  etc. Trying to figure out how far I can push this thing next year before it goes BOOM.  They are always fastest right before they blow up.    If it can’t be competitive I will turn it into a streetcar.

What is max boost if the pressure line to waste gate is left off?
I thought I read somewhere the motors could take 35psi, but not sure if that was fiber or the metal HG.

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

My old TD held 32 psi with a broken wastegate line, a metal HG and a K24 on all OEM hardware. Never lifted or leaked. I don't know how well a fiber HG would last in the LONG RUN.  I'd be scared to take it above 25 psi. Can you run APR headstuds?

[Rabbit on Roids]

my 1.5 headgasket is holding 25 psi pretty regularly.

[Powered by Spearco]

On my old engine, I was running 27 psi on stock bolts, fiber gasket torqued to stock settings and it was an N/A. Should be torqed, more.

[MJF]

Stock fiber gasket, stock bolts 27psi and 175hp. No gasket problems.

[Rabbit on Roids]

I have blown a head gasket before, but im not sure if the block cracked making the head gasket blow, or if the headgasket blew so bad that it cracked the block too. but at any rate, i was pushing around 35-37 psi into the engine for a pretty long time (1/4 minute to a half minute) and then all hell broke loose. i didnt even have to pop the hood to know what happened. there was oil and coolant running down the outside of the drivers side fender, and it was all over the drivers side front tire and wheel.

[TedV]

I blew the first Victor Reinz head gasket on the dyno at 22psi.  I don't think the head was finished with the retourquing.   Blew a 2 inch section out of the gasket between cyl 3 and 4.  On the second go-round I only ran 15psi until the wrench wouldn't turn at 100ft-lbs. Drive a few days, torque em, drive a few days, torque em.  Turned up the boost and it's been holding together since then. 

Rules say bolts are open as long as they are not a performance advantage.  Titanium is out, super duper strong aluminum alloy is out.  Some try and argue the ARP studs are a performance advantage.  As long as both bolts hold cylinder presures and keep the same torque only advantage I see with the ARP studs is not haveing to buy new ones every time a head is pulled.  pocketbook advantage.

I'm tempted to try it a 28psi and see what happens.

Thanks y'all
As always, I'd love to see more info.

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

IMO that's the biggest advantage the ARP bolts have. Tell the officials that since you can't use a metal HG the arp headbolts are useful as you don't have to replace them everytime your headgasket blows.