1.9 Mi16 Head Gasket Brand?

[benny205mi16 19 1 Cars]

Hi,

I now require a new head gasket, due to stripping one of the block threads when tightening the head down.

I did only get get to 80Nm (using the 95Nm method discussed on here)

But when looking for a new gasket there is a massive difference in cost, £21 for FAI or £55 for Victor reinz.

Is it worth the extra cost for the Victor reinz?

I am running a decked block so higher compression than normal.

Thanks for any advise.

Ben

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

The like of fai, bga etc are poor quality. Try and get hold of payen gasket and bolts. I've not used victor reinz so can't comment. But like most things, you get what you pay for.

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

If you were just in the process of tightening down, and the engine has not run, I would re use the gasket you have.

[dcc 855]

Is there any proof of superior or inferior quality quality? Or is it just hearsay and people jumping on a band wagon?

[welshpug 1,657]

Payen was the o.e gasket, available for less than £20 IIRC.

 

 

I doubt the VR gasket you were quoted was the correct one for the alloy block at £55, GSF do the steel gti6 gasket at £40!!

[benny205mi16 19 1 Cars]

I was thinking about re using the same gasket as I never reached full torque, so there is still some extra squeeze to go.

I am happy to buy a new gasket if required and pay the higher cost if required, but as mentioned, I wanted to be sure it was justified and not just me getting ripped off.

Got the thread repair kit on order now, so should hopefully soon be back together.

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

Is there any proof of superior or inferior quality quality? Or is it just hearsay and people jumping on a band wagon?

 

I've used FAI and BGA when I worked in the trade, had quite a few parts fail prematurely which can only be down to poor quality, so stopped using them. It's pretty obvious just looking at the parts half the time, hence my suggestion. I have not used victor reinz parts which is why I didn't comment on them.

[DamirGTI 342]

VR is good quality brand , did quite a lot of work using they're gaskets/seals/bolts even rtv sealants - never ever had any issues with VR .

They have some fancy technology 'sealant coated' head gaskets , suppose thats why they're on the price .

 

Erling is also , very good brand for gasket material , head bolts and various special shop sealants . Myself im using just these three : VR , Erling and Payen .

 

D