Federal-Mogul engineers have developed a sophisticated head gasket “stopper layer” technology that represents the automotive aftermarket’s new standard in cylinder head sealing. The company’s innovative LaserWeld stopper layer design is now available in Fel-Pro PermaTorque multi-layer-steel (MLS) head gaskets for a broad range of late-model automotive engines.

The new LaserWeld feature provides a precisely determined limit to the compression of the multiple layers within an MLS head gasket while ensuring proper sealing stress between the cylinder head and block. This helps reduce head lift commonly encountered in many late-model engines, prevents gasket damage and ensures a superior combustion seal. The technology was developed at Federal-Mogul’s sealing technology center in Burscheid, Germany, and proven in NASCAR Sprint Cup engines. Nine of the 12 cars in last year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup – including series champion Jimmie Johnson’s #48 Chevrolet – were equipped with Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS head gaskets featuring LaserWeld technology.

“Fel-Pro head gaskets have been the choice of most NASCAR engine builders for more than 25 years, and our LaserWeld technology is continuing this dominance in today’s era of lighter-weight, ultra-high-output engines,” said Fel-Pro Product Manager Jim Daigle. “This design is the best solution for virtually all MLS-sealed engines and a significant improvement over all existing designs for the aftermarket.”

While global engine manufacturers utilize a variety of combustion sealing technologies, Federal-Mogul engineers have found that the LaserWeld stopper layer ensures a stronger and more reliable seal in the aftermarket repair environment. The ability to apply this approach to nearly any MLS-sealed engine builds on the Fel-Pro brand’s heritage of helping professionals complete higher-quality engine repairs.

“Engine professionals rely on Fel-Pro for gaskets that outperform original designs and all other aftermarket parts,” Daigle said. “In the case of LaserWeld technology, we combined a proven OE concept with several advanced features engineered specifically for the repair environment. Then we tested this approach in one of the most brutal engine environments – NASCAR Sprint Cup racing.

“Leading NASCAR engine builders now swear by Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS gaskets with the LaserWeld stopper layer, and we’re confident thousands of automotive engine professionals will, too.”