Am I worried to much running 16 psi instead of 18 psi?

[1986SVOTURBO]

Ran 18 psi for years but just had to do a head gasket. Big expense so I turned the boost down to 16 psi.

Am I worrying too much or should I put it back up to 18. I cannot afford another major expense.

[GAboySVO]

There are several factors that contribute to a HG failure: age, boost pressure, proper torque, cooling system efficiency, air charge temps, ignition timing and finally octane, octane octane.

If you want to avoid the same issue anytime soon, then lower it to the factory 15 psi boost pressure, set the base timing to 10* BTDC and make sure you have good premium fuel on board. Also, make sure your knock sensor is plugged in.