5150 AutoSport Head Gasket & Head Stud Kit, BMW N54

Performance Head Gasket & Head Stud Kit for BMW N54 Engines

This Performance Head Gasket & Head Stud Kit is designed for BMW N54B30 turbocharged inline-six engines, ideal for high-performance applications.

Head Gasket Options

• OEM Head Gasket
  Genuine BMW replacement gasket, perfect for high-horsepower and high-boost setups. Recommended for engines exceeding 800+ horsepower; requires O-ringing the cylinder head or block. Features a 0.060" thickness for machined cylinder heads.

• Athena-SCE Cut-Ring Head Gasket
  Designed for applications with 16+ psi of boost, this gasket features AISI 304 stainless steel Cooper rings for superior sealing. Made from premium, asbestos-free M0115 material, it’s ideal for turbocharged and nitrous setups exceeding 2 bar boost. Ensure the gasket size is 0.5mm to 1mm larger than the piston bore for proper fit (e.g., 84mm piston → 84.5mm or 85mm gasket). Proper surface preparation is essential.

• Cometic MLX Head Gasket
  The MLX gasket offers exceptional sealing with multiple layers of coated and uncoated stainless steel, and a “stopper” fold-over layer to prevent combustion seal failure. Ideal for high-performance turbocharged N54 engines with increased cylinder pressures. Not compatible with O-rings or receiver grooves; requires smooth, flat surfaces.

Head Stud Kit Options

• ARP Standard Head Stud Kit
  Custom-designed for N54 engines, this kit includes 14x 11mm studs, washers, and nuts, offering increased clamping force to prevent head gasket failure under high cylinder pressure. Suitable for moderate to high-performance applications.

• ARP Oversized Head Stud Kit
  Ideal for higher boost applications, this kit includes 14x 11mm studs, washers, and nuts, providing superior clamping force and head gasket sealing. For high-boost setups, drill and tap the four outer 9mm holes in the engine block to accommodate 11mm studs and ensure even pressure distribution.

Installation Instructions

1. Ensure the engine block and cylinder head surfaces are clean, flat, and free from debris, oil, or coolant.
2. Align the head gasket on the engine block, avoiding twisting or bending.
3. Install the cylinder head over the gasket and position the head studs correctly.
4. Tighten the studs in the correct sequence to the recommended torque specifications, ensuring even clamping force.
5. Re-torque the studs after the engine has started and cooled to room temperature to ensure proper gasket compression.
6. Avoid additional sealant, as the gasket is already treated with Viton rubber sealant.

Additional Instructions for Head Stud Kit Installation:

1. Clean all threads in the block using an ARP Thread Chaser.
2. Inspect all hardware for defects and ensure proper fit.
3. If studs protrude into a water jacket, lubricate block threads with ARP Thread Sealer.
4. Install studs hand tight.
5. Check for binding or misalignment after installing the cylinder head.
6. Lubricate the stud threads, nuts, and washers with ARP Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant. Tighten the nuts by hand, then torque to specifications.

ARP recommends using the provided Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant instead of motor oil to ensure proper clamping force and reduce friction.