Composite head gaskets...

seight · Post by **seight** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:31 pm

....are they all the same?

I'm just about to buy a few sets (14 bolt) and was wondering, how come there is such a difference in price among the various retailers? Is there a 'best' make out there, how can you tell? and who sells them?

thanks
Mike

badger · Post by **badger** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:21 pm

I buy all mine from Real Steel (01895 440505), never had a failure or bad one yet. One thing I'd strongly advise though, if fitting to a 3.9 or larger engine, fit a stud kit for far superior clamping and do away with those pathetic stretch bolts! I've replaced so many 4.6 head gaskets over the years due to insufficient clamping force with stretch bolts, that I won't guarantee against recurring failure if the customer wants stretch bolts installed.

seight · Post by **seight** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 4:13 pm

Thanks for that badger. I am swapping to studs as I think my gaskets have 'weeped' a little oil just because the engine (newly rebuilt) has been standing for a looooong time. As you say I don't think I achieved decent clamping with normal bolts.

Mike