Timing vs. head gaskets

[rockytopcummins]

I've done some searching around and most threads are full of people saying I'm running this timing or that timing to suit different needs. However, I came across a discussion recently claiming that anything 24* or above without head studs will leave you needing a head gasket in short order. Some even saying that with studs you also need o/fire rings.

This is the first I'm hearing of this and I was going to adjust my timing soon. Is there any truth to this? If so, can someone explain to me how and why timing would have such an effect on a head gasket? I was under the impression high boost numbers and excessive drive pressure were about the only causes of head gasket failures.

 

[chevota84]

More timing = higher cylinder pressure. High boost gets the same result.

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[CorneliusRox]

If you're going cheap and you are only messing with the pump (rack barrels, AFC stuff, gov springs, and rack plug), and blocking off your wastegate. I wouldn't go past 19degrees.

Well, I would, and did a while back, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to eventually replace the gasket and toss some studs on! ha ha

 

[mathews8pt]

I ran low 20s for a couple years with just stock retorqued head bolts. That was up to about 560hp at the time. Then cracked the block and rebuilt it. Ran 24*s a year with new engine and orings, still with stock bolts. Swapped H 11s in and went to 27* for a couple years with about 725hp. I've never blown a head gasket. Just my experience

Edit. I'm also big on retorques and feel it has helped a lot. No truck I've done has ever blown a headgasket that I know of

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[rockytopcummins]

More timing = higher cylinder pressure. High boost gets the same result.

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This is kind of the theory I was going with when I heard this. I'm no mechanical wizard so how does this work? Does advancing timing increase the amount of fuel and air drawn in on each "intake stroke"? I hope y'all can forgive my ignorance on this and school me a little or point me towards a thread already in existence that explains this a little more in depth as to what changing the timing actually does.

 

[chevota84]

Changing the timing only affects the way the fuel burns. More timing will keep more of the fuel burnt in the cylinder, that's why it lowers egt's as well.

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[jlbayes]

advancing the timing starts the injection event sooner. gives more lead time as our fuel burns slow

 

[rockytopcummins]

Changing the timing only affects the way the fuel burns. More timing will keep more of the fuel burnt in the cylinder, that's why it lowers egt's as well.

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advancing the timing starts the injection event sooner. gives more lead time as our fuel burns slow

I really wish I understood the specific ins and outs of this process. I guess I just need to do more in depth "googleing".