PRI 2025: Cometic Debuts DST Head Gaskets for 1500+ HP

PRI is usually where we see the hardware that will dominate the track for the next year. For the high-horsepower crowd, Cometic Gasket brought something that might save a lot of engine teardowns. The new DST head gaskets are designed specifically for extreme forced induction applications where cylinder pressures are high enough to lift heads and torch standard gaskets.

Cometic's DST head gaskets — This is the new seven-layer DST head gasket from Cometic. It is designed to work in the most extreme applications. (Photo by Jim Campisano)

Controlling Distortion

The problem with a big boost isn’t just holding the pressure in; it’s about how the block and head move under load. Cometic’s Dual Stopper Technology uses a seven-layer design with dual folded stainless steel stoppers to address this. By localizing the clamping load right at the combustion seal, it minimizes bore distortion. A rounder bore seals better, and a better seal means you can turn the boost controller up without immediately pressurizing the cooling system.

Cometic's DST head gaskets (2) — Also seen in the Cometic booth at PRI is this MLX Multi-Layer Extreme gaskets. It incorporates a center stainless steel later that is precision folded. This “stopper” design improves clamp and provides local stress and sealing integrity around the combustion chamber without increasing bore distortion. (Photo by Jim Campisano)

No Machining Required

For a long time, the only way to hold 1,500 horsepower reliably was to O-ring the block and run a copper gasket. That works, but it requires specific machining and maintenance. These DST head gaskets offer a massive jump in capability while still installing like a normal gasket. They are practically tailor-made for the “street car” classes where guys are making four-digit power numbers on modified factory or aftermarket iron blocks but don’t want to deal with a full race-spec receiver groove setup.

Cometic's DST head gaskets (3) — This is Cometic’s fully embossed Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gasket. It uses fully embossed active combustion seals located on the outer edges of the gasket. Optional shim laters can be added to tailor the overall gasket thickness to specific engine requirements. (Photo by Jim Campisano)

Application Coverage

You can pick these up immediately for both LS and LT applications. Cometic ensured they are compatible with the wildly popular aftermarket Dart blocks as well as standard factory castings. They also had the foresight to size the stud holes for 1/2-inch hardware, which is pretty standard on builds at this power level. Sleeved blocks are currently the only limitation, but for the vast majority of LS and LT builds, this is the new go-to sealing solution.