Head gaskets

[Andy]

What are people using in the way of G40 head gaskets?

Because I'm 1341cc and therefore have 77mm pistons I can't really use a stock gasket. I've always used the PSD metal HG that people go on about - GSF part number 11133B (from some Mk4 Polo 1.4/1.6 engines).

Ideally I'd like something metal, and a bit thicker (9:1 CR pistons, thinner metal gasket, skimmed block, skimmed head = higher CR than I want) - whilst retaining the same bore size. I'm fairly sure that rules out anything for the ABD motor and I've struggled to find much of use.

If I have to get something made up, would other people be interested? I know there are a few 1.5 conversions in the making that might benefit too.

[Andy]

Am guessing that others must be happy with the higher compression from the thin metal gasket then?

[Nick_S]

There is potentially another VAG gasket to fit, its pretty thick fibreboard type though!

[Andy]

What's that from Nick?

[Nick_S]

Ill pop into GSF on saturday and make sure of the dimensions.

[Nick_S]

Found some more potentially to look at, all metal fibre composite type.

Here are the un-crushed thickneses

1.53
1.57
1.61
1.75mm

[g40chris]

im sure that i heard a rumour that you can use one from an old jetta

[Nick_S]

Went to GSF this mornin to check the gasket i had in mind, but my local one didn't have it in stock!
It's the ABU head gasket which is 1.61mm un-crushed that i think will fit, but longevity with it being a composite gasket is the issue. GSF part number 11133 for anyone who wants to go check.

[Andy]

Digging up the thread again...

ABU = 76.5mm bore, but looking at ETKA there are 77mm pistons available, so probably safe to assume that there's clearance for the Accralite pistons.

The ABU head is different to the other motors though isn't it? Combustion chambers in the head jobbie. Do you know whether the oil and water ways line up properly?

Just trying to find the old link for an Italian HG manufacturer - they did lots of OEM equivalent gaskets, some of which were metal replacements for the fibre types. I don't fancy running a fibre one with 21psi of boost.

[Nick_S]

It will cater for a 77mm bore then because the mk4 polo 8v metal gasket states 76.5mm on the dimensions, but is infact 77.5mm. Like you say, this will allow for use with oversize VAG pistons on the AEE and AEA engine.