[Simba]

Steps for not blowing head gaskets:

1) Check the head and block for warpage and surface damage. Machine if necessary.

2) Torque a gasket down with ARP bolts or studs.

3) Do not allow detonation to happen. Ever. Period. This means always running high octane fuel if running 10+ psi of boost. No exceptions.

It's really not that hard.

As for the 2jz, for what it'll cost you to buy the engine and transmission, electronics, and have all the fabrication and installation done, you'll be looking at 4-5 grand at the very least. Chances are, you'll end up spending significantly more than that.

With that kind of money you can full build a 7m with forged rods and pistons, a metal head gasket, ARP hardware everywhere, and have enough left over for a bigass turbo of your choosing.

 

[Simba]

Do you recommend a metal head gasket or the stock one?

Metal is more of a preventive measure than anything. People have run 20+ psi on the stock composite gasket without blowing it. Detonation is what pops them almost every time.

If you're building for over 400 hp or so, I'd say go metal if for nothing more than the added safety margin.

The unfortunate side effect of a MHG, however, is blowing something other than the gasket should detonation happen-- namely a piston dome or ring land.