Steel Head Gasket

[Risocco]

Hi guys, just out of curiosity, what are the advantages of using the above over standard? I'm guessing they can take more of a pounding than cork. But do they mess about with compression ratios ect too?Thinking of getting one as I'm planning a bit of tuning in the comming months, just looking for advice really.

Cheers in advance as always guys

Alex

[scalainj]

They can be tightened down harder, are ultimately thinner, and will increase compression. For me it handled much more pressure and stopped the blow by i was getting with the standard gasket

I've been using them for years - Replaced it about 6 months ago after 5-6 years mainly as i grenaded the old block

Andy

[Risocco]

Hey cheers for the quick reply Andy. So you would recomend one then matey? Car will be a daily driver but with a view to a few track days in the future.

Are they re-usable too? Also what are the cost of them please?

Cheers again

Alex

[scalainj]

I would recommend as i had no choice because my engine lunched 3 head gaskets in a row

I use the 5 layer steel gasket as fitted to G60s and the like but non VW original - i think it cost me £23 or similar

Mines a daily - did quite a few track days with it in - got about 70k from it

No idea if they are re-usuable - i choose not to as my bottom end was gone

Andy

[Risocco]

Awesome, thanks a lot mate. Where did you get yours from? Was expecting three times the price so it would be rude not to invest in one.

Alex

[scalainj]

John Bowles VW in Tunbridge Wells but i suspect they come from GSF or the like

I'm seeing him in the morning so i'll ask if you want

OE gaskets are circa £80 a go

Andy

[Risocco]

If you would dude I'd really appreciate it

Be a few pay days till I make the purchase but nice to know where to get them from

Thanks for all your help dude

Alex

[scalainj]

Right

Prices quoted

VW original £55

Replacement £40 (GSF)

Andy

[Risocco]

VW original £55

Replacement £40 (GSF)

Andy

Sweet, cheers dude. Take it they are listed under G60?

Alex

[scalainj]

Sweet, cheers dude. Take it they are listed under G60?

Alex

Indeed

Some things with these gaskets

1. Check the water and oil ways against your current gasket. On mine other than slightly different hole sizes they matched up but that would be a schoolboy error

2. Tightening. First time i followed the standard Haynes/Bentley generic torque settings and on starting a beautiful mist of oil blew out the back onto the manifold bit like if you haven't got the last 1/4 turn on a fuel line union on a K-jet. So i tightened it down further following the sequence about another 1/2 turn ish on each and that did it.
Second time i went straight for the extra 1/2 ish each . All was fine but i did get a little oil blow so a tweak here and there stopped it. Its a bit trial and error to be fair.

3. 10 bolts 1/2 turn extra with a 3 foot breaker is hard work. Have 3 Weetabix

4. 1st time round i used (and i can't remember what they were) 'upgraded head bolt'. 2nd time i didn't and so far no apparent difference.

Andy

[Risocco]

You are a gent Andy, thanks so much for all your advice and effort

Alex

[scalainj]

You are more than welcome

Andy

[Ian Carvell]

Anyone know what the compressed thickness of the G60 steel head gasket is in comparison to the standard gasket....just wondering if it improves compression ratio?