How much can I skim off my head

1. doggybs L-plater Joined: May 2006 Posts: 47

   #1 9th August 2006, 21:56

   Hello there
   
   I'm going to get my VTS head skimmed and was wonder exactly how much I can take off it to get max compression.
   
   Has any one had any experience of doing this.
   
   Cheers
2. stiffler69 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2006 North East Posts: 5289

   #2 9th August 2006, 22:05

   thought you only got the head skimmed if you have had a blown head gasket does it really increase compression can you not just put 2 gaskets in to get the extra compression
3. ets2k9 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2006 Hednesford, West Mids Posts: 6230 Seat Leon Cupra R

   #3 9th August 2006, 22:11

   Quote:

   thought you only got the head skimmed if you have had a blown head gasket does it really increase compression can you not just put 2 gaskets in to get the extra compression

   I didnt think skimming was a performance increasing method eaither and dont you put 2 gaskets in to reduce compression as thats what you do with Turbo conversions?
   
   Performance related head work usually comes in the form of a port and polish maybe even a rebore but I dont think its that benficial with the vts.
4. stiffler69 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2006 North East Posts: 5289

   #4 9th August 2006, 22:13

   yeah sorry my bad i just remembered reading it somewhere that 2 head gaskets had been fitted but pretty sure skimming doesnt do anything performance wise too
5. ets2k9 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2006 Hednesford, West Mids Posts: 6230 Seat Leon Cupra R

   #5 9th August 2006, 22:17

   Quote:

   yeah sorry my bad i just remembered reading it somewhere that 2 head gaskets had been fitted but pretty sure skimming doesnt do anything performance wise too

   I'll let you off
6. doggybs L-plater Joined: May 2006 Posts: 47

   #6 10th August 2006, 23:05

   More compression basically means petrol explodes more easily, and will also run better with higher octain petrol.
7. williamsvts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Feb 2006 northumberland Posts: 7693 pulsar gtir, mk4 astra sxi

   #7 10th August 2006, 23:09

   you dont want the petrol to explode more easily, thats what higher octane fuel stops. if it is too easy to ignite you get pre-ignition.
   you want it harder to burn so it only ignites when there is a spark.
   higher compression will give you a 'stronger' explosion of fuel.
8. fredjudd Established Member Joined: Aug 2006 Salisbury Posts: 1118 Saxo VTR full Janspeed exhuast (4-2

   #8 10th August 2006, 23:16

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by williamsvts you dont want the petrol to explode more easily, thats what higher octane fuel stops. if it is too easy to ignite you get pre-ignition. you want it harder to burn so it only ignites when there is a spark. higher compression will give you a 'stronger' explosion of fuel.

   So should I buy BP ultimate or not?
9. williamsvts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Feb 2006 northumberland Posts: 7693 pulsar gtir, mk4 astra sxi

   #9 10th August 2006, 23:18

   i always use optimax but tbh i wont make too much difference on saxo's unless they are heavily tuned or boosted.
10. doggybs L-plater Joined: May 2006 Posts: 47

    #10 11th August 2006, 14:18

    Thanks Williams, knew it was something good like that. So now we has established its a good thing to skim our heads, does any know the most I can safly take off.
    
    Cheers.
11. ets2k9 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2006 Hednesford, West Mids Posts: 6230 Seat Leon Cupra R

    #11 11th August 2006, 14:27

    Just give a company who does it a call and ask them.
12. S34MER East Midlands Joined: Jun 2006 Derby Posts: 8305 Skoda Fabia VRS

    #12 11th August 2006, 16:11

    look mate, sorry to piss on you BBQ but i don't know where you've got this idea that skimming the head will increase your performance mate cause its whoever told you was lying to you!
13. c8james Established Member Joined: Jan 2006 pikie central Posts: 1790 Ram raiders roller, cosser init

    #13 11th August 2006, 16:16

    You need min 20tho clearance between valve and piston. This is the extream. If you take engine to any reconditioners they can do this for you. It will increase compression but it will take its toll on the piston head. If you are going down this route you might think about new pistons.
14. williamsvts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Feb 2006 northumberland Posts: 7693 pulsar gtir, mk4 astra sxi

    #14 11th August 2006, 16:17

    it raises cr though, so it will compliment other mods.