Best Performance Head Gasket Sets of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Performance head gasket sets are essential components for engines that require high-performance and durability. These sets are designed to provide a reliable seal between the cylinder head and engine block, preventing any leaks or loss of compression. The sets are typically made from high-quality materials such as multi-layered steel or graphite, which can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure. Performance head gasket sets are ideal for racing or high-performance engines, as they offer superior sealing capabilities and can withstand the rigors of high-speed driving. They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, making it easy to find the right set for any engine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set Cover #TOP 1
Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM Cover #TOP 2
Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket - Set of 2 Cover #TOP 3
Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket - Set of 2
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Performance Head Gasket Sets

#TOP 1

Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set

7364
Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set Cover
Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set

The Edelbrock 7364 Head Gasket Set is a multi-piece configuration that includes a head gasket with 4 100" bore and 0.045" thickness, an intake gasket with 1.20"x2.00" port and 0.060" thickness, an exhaust gasket with 1.25"x1.48" port, and a 5/16" valve cover gasket. This head gasket set is ideal for those who want to upgrade their engine's performance, seal better and prevent leaks.

What We Like
Multi-piece configuration
Thick head, intake and exhaust gaskets
5/16" valve cover gasket included
#TOP 2

Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM

7370
Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM Cover
Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM

The Edelbrock 7370 Head Gasket Set - SBM is a high-quality automotive gasket set with a multi-piece configuration. It features a 4.180" bore and 0.050" thickness on the head, 1.17"x2.30" port and 0.060" thickness on the intake, and 1.75"x1.25" port on the exhaust. Additionally, it comes with a 3/16" valve cover.

What We Like
High-quality automotive gasket set
Multi-piece configuration
Various sizes for head, intake, and exhaust ports
#TOP 3

Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket - Set of 2

7361
Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket - Set of 2 Cover
Edelbrock 7361 Cylinder Head Gasket - Set of 2

The Edelbrock Cylinder Head Gasket provides excellent sealing and conformability, making it a perfect companion for Edelbrock cylinder heads and intake manifolds. It releases cleanly without sticking, making it easy to disassemble the engine. Note that it does not come with end seals, so using a silicone sealant in place of end seal is recommended.

What We Like
Easy to disassemble engine
Provides excellent sealing and conformability
Perfect companion for Edelbrock cylinder heads and intake manifolds
#TOP 4

Ford Racing Head Gasket Set

Ford
M-6051-S331
Stock
Ford Racing Head Gasket Set Cover
Ford Racing M-6051-S331 Head Gasket Set

Ford Racing Head Gasket Set is a trusted industry leader in the category of automotive gaskets.

What We Like
Trusted industry leader
#TOP 5

Edelbrock 7374 Head Gasket Set - Ford 351C

7374
Edelbrock 7374 Head Gasket Set - Ford 351C Cover
Edelbrock 7374 Head Gasket Set - Ford 351C

Upgrade your Ford 351C engine with the Edelbrock 7374 Gasket Set. This performance head gasket set includes a 4.080" bore and 0.038" thick head, 1.52"x2.16" port and 0.060" thick intake, 1.98"x1.56" port exhaust, and 3/16" valve cover. The head gasket set is designed to improve engine performance and durability. The 4.080" bore and 0.038" thick head ensures a tight seal and prevents leakage. The 1.52"x2.16" port and 0.060" thick intake increase airflow, improving engine efficiency. The 1.98"x1.56" port exhaust reduces backpressure and improves exhaust flow. The 3/16" valve cover ensures a secure fit and prevents oil leaks. Upgrade your engine with the Edelbrock 7374 Gasket Set for improved performance, efficiency, and durability.

What We Like
Tight seal
Increased airflow
Reduced backpressure
#TOP 6

Edelbrock 7373 Head Gasket Set

7373
Edelbrock 7373 Head Gasket Set Cover
Edelbrock 7373 Head Gasket Set - Olds V8

The Edelbrock 7373 Head Gasket Set for Olds V8 features a 4.250" bore, 0.042" thickness, and 9.8cc volume. The set also includes a 1.44"x2.44" intake port with a 0.060" thickness, a 1.95"x1.56" exhaust port, and a 3/16" valve cover. It comes in a multi-piece configuration, making it a perfect choice for automotive gasket needs.

What We Like
Multi-piece configuration
High-quality materials
Easy to install
#TOP 7

Ford Racing Head Gasket Set

Ford
M-6051-CP331
Ford Racing Head Gasket Set Cover
Ford Racing M-6051-CP331 Head Gasket Set

This head gasket set by Ford Racing comes with a package dimension of 23.5 L x 0.2 H x 9.5 W (inches) and a package weight of 1 pound. It is made in the United States and has a part number of M-6051-CP331. This gasket set is designed for automotive use and falls under the category of automotive gaskets.

What We Like
Easy to install
High-quality materials
Made in the United States
#TOP 8

Edelbrock Oval Head Gasket Set

7363
Edelbrock Oval Head Gasket Set Cover
Edelbrock 7363 Oval Head Gasket Set

The Edelbrock 7363 Oval Head Gasket Set is a high-quality automotive gasket set with a multi-piece configuration. The set includes a 4.370" bore and 0.038" thick head gasket, a 1.82"x2.05" port and 0.060" thick intake gasket, a 1.940" round port exhaust gasket, and a 5/16" valve cover gasket. These gaskets are made of durable materials and are designed to fit perfectly, ensuring a secure and leak-free seal for your vehicle's engine.

What We Like
Durable materials
Multi-piece configuration
Secure and leak-free seal
#TOP 9

Nitrous Express 20919-10 Fly-By-Wire System

20919-10
Standard
No Size
Nitrous Express 20919-10 Fly-By-Wire System Cover
Nitrous Express 20919-10 35-150 HP Universal Single Nozzle Fly-By-Wire System with 10 lbs. Bottle

The Nitrous Express Fly-By-Wire system offers a wire activated setup that ensures precise control, so you can easily manage your nitrous injection. It comes with a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) switch, which helps monitor your throttle's position for smoother performance. The Smart Box technology makes installation simple and hassle-free, allowing you to just plug and play without complicated wiring. Plus, it supports a wide range of horsepower levels, from 35 up to 150, fitting various engine sizes including 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 cylinders. This system is designed to give you a convenient and efficient nitrous setup.

What We Like
Wire activated control
Throttle Position Sensor included
Easy plug-and-play installation
Wide horsepower range
#TOP 10

Crown Automotive Engine Gasket Set

4636982AD
Multi Colors
Crown Automotive Engine Gasket Set Cover
Crown Automotive Engine Gasket Set Engine

The Crown Engine Gasket Set is designed as a direct replacement for your vehicle’s engine needs, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation. With its high-quality construction, you can trust that this gasket set will hold up under pressure, providing reliable performance. The top-notch materials used enhance not just the functionality, but also the style and comfort of your vehicle, giving you peace of mind on the road. Plus, its durable nature means you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements, making it a smart investment for your automotive maintenance.

What We Like
Direct replacement for easy installation
High-quality construction for reliability
Enhances vehicle style and comfort
Durable for long-lasting performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the strongest type of head gasket?

The strongest type of head gasket is the multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket. It is made up of multiple layers of steel, providing excellent durability and a strong seal. However, it can be challenging to install compared to other types of head gaskets.

2. Are there performance head gaskets?

Yes, there are performance head gaskets available. One example is the Fel-Pro ® Performance MLS head gaskets, which feature a LaserWeld ™ stopper layer. This layer helps limit compression at the combustion opening, preventing gasket damage and ensuring a superior combustion seal.

3. What head gasket is best for high compression?

Copper head gaskets are recommended for engines with high compression ratios (over 14:1), turbocharged or supercharged engines with high boost pressure (over 15 psi), or engines with nitrous oxide kits that add significant horsepower. Copper gaskets can handle these extreme conditions effectively.

4. Do head gasket repair kits work?

Head gasket repair kits can temporarily fix a leaking head gasket, but they are not a permanent solution. While they can provide a temporary fix, the long-term solution is to address the underlying wear and tear on the gasket to ensure proper functioning of the engine.

5. Do thicker head gaskets seal better?

The thickness of a head gasket can impact compression ratio and the ability to seal the combustion chamber, oil passages, and coolant passages. For most engines, it is recommended to use the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) gasket thickness. Thicker gaskets may be suitable for filling in irregularities in badly damaged or warped flanges.

6. Is thicker or thinner head gasket better?

In general, a thinner head gasket is preferred. Thinner gaskets provide better sealing ability and conform to flange irregularities. However, there are situations where thicker gaskets may be necessary, such as for badly damaged or warped flanges. The choice of gasket thickness depends on the specific engine and its requirements.

Editor's Notes

During our performance head gasket set research, we found 24 performance head gasket set products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,497 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance head gasket sets list. We found that most customers choose performance head gasket sets with an average price of $207.63.

The performance head gasket sets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance head gasket sets, including Edelbrock, Ford, Nitrous Express, Crown Automotive. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.