Gasket construction technology has made a few leaps in the past decade, and that includes multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets, which are a relatively new practice, and enlist two or more embossed stainless-steel sheets that are secured to a flat metal core. Building on advanced properties, SCE Gaskets recently released its MLS Spartan cylinder head gaskets.
In this day and age, it would be a daunting task to find a racer who isn’t taking advantage of the MLS design. SCE’s gasket design, made of 300 series stainless steel, is capable of supporting much higher boost levels (40-plus pounds in some applications) and higher horsepower outputs compared to other gasket designs.
MLS gaskets require a very smooth finish surface or leaks may result, due to the fact that stainless steel is harder than either the block or head that is sandwiched between, and does not allow the gasket to conform to imperfections in the deck surface.
SCE has attempted to remedy this issue with a two-step fluid sealant coating that allows its MLS gasket to seal to a 60RA surface finish. Additional sealing is also achieved with the help of embossments placed around the fluid passageways.
While nothing in this world is indestructible, employing the rigid and durable construction of an MLS gasket, in conjunction with quality high-strength mounting hardware, results in the ability to run exponential amounts of engine cylinder pressure. Where traditional style gaskets would be more prone to “blow out” under the same conditions, and cause the gasket to lose its sealing properties, SCE’s MLS gaskets hold up to the pressure and demands required in a race engine.