Athena Cooper Nissan NISSAN 300ZX 89mm 1,2mm

In 1989, for the second generation heir of the legendary Datsun Z sports cars of the 1970s, Nissan decided to amaze the world with the world's first road-going sports car equipped with twin turbochargers and variable timing: the Nissan 300ZX.

Powered by a new 283 horsepower 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo engine, the Nissan 300ZX was quick to establish itself in the major American and international motor racing competitions such as the IMSA Championship, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This engine in racing configuration has proven capable of handling impressive powers in the 700 hp range, but modern-day tuners have taken it even further to reach 900 horsepower!  

The new Athena Racing Cut Ring gasket was specifically designed to meet the ever-increasing demands of tuners for performance, maximum sealing and resistance to extreme thermal and mechanical stress.

The Cut Ring technology combines the advantages of having an excellent seal at high pressures of a head gasket with separate recessed rings, known as Cooper Rings, that no longer require the tuner to irreversibly modify the engine block to work on the ring seats.

CUT RINGS

Designed exclusively by Athena, the stainless steel (AISI 304) Cut Rings provide a greater seal than the traditional fire rings. After the manufacturing process, it’s tested in extreme conditions while withstanding extremely low tolerances. The Rings have a top surface with three grooves, they fix firmly and situate perfectly on the cylinder head.

These rings offer excellent mechanical strength, disperse heat appropriately and are fitted tight against the combustion chamber.

SILICONE BEADSEAL

In the design phase, the Athena R&D department studied and identified the critical areas of the gasket. Engineers identified the need to apply a special silicone bead seal, using high-precision screen print machines, to improve its ultra-secure fit around the passages of the oil and coolant passages.

An optimal seal ensures maximum operating efficiency, avoiding damage to the engine or decreased performance.

SURFACE COATING

The gaskets are subjected to a surface finish treatment to prevent any incidents where adhesion with the head or engine block would lead the gasket to tear and deteriorate over time, thus losing its ability to seal the engine properly.

REINFORCED MATERIAL MOTOR GASKET®

Developed by the Athena Group's research laboratories, Motor Gasket® materials have been designed and manufactured to guarantee the quality, efficiency, and reliability, which is why Athena gaskets are so sought after and recognized in the racing industry.

The material chosen for the Toyota GR Yaris tested head gasket is a reinforced asbestos-free materials composed of a central steel layer coated with two layers of material composed of a high percentage of aramid fibers, inorganic inserts, and high binding power elastomers.

The materials used and the production technologies make it resistant to oils, fuels, water mixed with antifreeze and anti-corrosion, as well as having a high resistance to mechanical and thermal stress and an excellent adaptation to surfaces.

Technical features