Topline T/D head 20000 mi later

[Rabbit TD]

I rebuilt a 1600 T/D 2 years ago and had to change the head gasket this week (fiber one) which just started to pressurize the cooling system and it does have the ARP studs torqued to 100 lbs and has run great pulling mountains everyday and such in pretty high temperatures with around 12 lb. boost on the pull.  I really expected to see the little hairline cracks between the valves like almost all these heads have but the head looked just like new.  I didn't replace it with the metal gasket as I've heard it takes a lot more torque to pull these down right and I'm not sure if they really hold up any better than the fiber one if done right.  Maby I'm wrong but I think changing headgaskets on these things are just a fact of life.  But the thread is about how the head has held up so far and anyone wondering aout how good Topline heads are I highly recomnd them.  This rebuild kit came from Parts Place  which I have bought 2 from them so far and have not had a problem from either of them.  Maby I should have went the metal gasket route but I didn't but if I get 2 years again out of this new one I'll be happy anyway.   

[rabbitman]

Yup, I have a topline head with almost 70000 miles on it, it's been good.

[zukgod1]

There piston/ rings are $hit...

The pistons are probably fine but the rings last about 20k tops.

[maxfax]

There piston/ rings are $hit...

The pistons are probably fine but the rings last about 20k tops.

X2 on that!

[2strokesmoke]

What brand rings didn't hold up?
Was it on a re-ring or an overbore?
thanks !

[maxfax]

What brand rings didn't hold up?
Was it on a re-ring or an overbore?
thanks !

Topline Rings..   For me is was on both a re-ring AND an overbore..