Headgasket possibly on the way out. What are my options?

[MapBoy]

Dropped my car off for a service and suspension work, nice and easy I thought....yeah right!!!

They have found that it looks like my headgasket is going:cry:. We don't know for sure and the coolant system is being flushed n cleaned up in the meantime.

I'm need to know what my options are. I've heard about all sorts of different gaskets but don't really have a clue.

Its a sr20det Redtop.

Help please folks

Thanks.
Jamie

[sprout]

What spec is the engine? Modifications? Make sure whatever you get it fits the redtop though ;)

[MapBoy]

Its largely standard.
Rebuilt by Drivingsports in japan (HAH!)
Full FMIC
Induction kit

nothing else really.
torque damper and uprated engine mounts.

Getting the right one is a worry though.

[Carta]

I got me a thicker Greddy job on mine, does the job!

[MapBoy]

I got me a thicker Greddy job on mine, does the job!

What thickness mate? That something that's really confusing me. Along with all the different kinds.

[samoht]

A thicker head gasket reduces the compression ratio, allowing you to run more boost without detonation. However, lower compression alone will reduce power, off-boost response and economy, so it's not something you want to do unless you need to I would have thought - and probably not if you're on the standard T25G turbo.

A standard gasket should be fine I'd imagine, it's not really a known weak point on the SR20 AFAIK. Where you get a standard one for the redtop, I don't know.

[MapBoy]

cheers buddy.

I've found a few sources...its just picking the correct one.

from horsham: http://horshamdev.primateserver.com/product_info.php?cPath=41_46_127&products_id=125&osCsid=44fe90c33c3976a3f28cb70813f273c2

Then there are tha various ones here: http://www.frsport.com/Head-Gasket_c_196.html

J

[samoht]

This post
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=244192&highlight=redtop+head+gasket
authoritatively suggests that the redtop and blacktop gaskets are different, although you might be able to use a blacktop one (?) as it's only the VVT oil return hole that's different.

[samoht]

While you have the head off, might be an idea to check that it's still flat on the surface that seals to the top of the block. I think if an engine's been overheated badly, it can warp the head slightly in the heating/cooling, causing head gasket failure. The head would then need to be skimmed back to flat in order to seal properly in future (and probably a thicker head gasket used to bring the compression ratio back down, unless higher comp was desired).

You're probably fine, but maybe worth checking (unless I'm talking complete bollox, in which case I'm sure someone will be along to advise shortly ;) ).

[MapBoy]

I don't think its been overheating that much. Never seen any fluctuation on the dash temp gauge. Should really fit my defi ones.

I knew they wouldn't be the same (not that lucky). I'm just thinking in advance. I'm gonna take it slowly with the new coolant and flushed system and see how she goes. Will get the gauges fitted asap (boost/oil temp/water temp).

[MazworxRacing]

Apexi or Tomei gaskets work great. As we preach time and time again, grommet type gaskets are the way to go.