Opinions wanted - OEM parts and head gasket choices

[Austin09]

Hi all,

I'm facing a top end rebuild and just looking into parts before I start the strip down. I've done a lot of reading on parts and checked a few guides as well to see what I'd like to replace.

My questions are around the choice between OEM parts from porsche websites out there and parts from a porsche dealer. In terms or gaskets and seals, I can go down the porsche route and individually purchase them, or get them from an OEM supplied like victor reinz on a specialist website which is much cheaper.
Does anyone have any experience of these parts? I typically would steer away from OEM, its usually naff, especially for critical components and oil seals, but they seem quite highly recommended on these specialist websites.

Secondly, I face the choices of a new head gasket. Stock, Cometic MLS, or widefire (fitted to the cup cars I believe). I'm thinking of going stock. Cost isn't really an issue here, I'll go with the best part.

 

[PSH]

Hi

nothing wrong with Victor Reinz especially when talking a top end rebuild, I use them as I'm sure many other here do...the only seal that I'm aware of that needs careful selection is the rear crank seal as there has been issues in the past...alas i can't remember the details now but it may be covered in my rebuild thread. Regarding the head gasket?..this depends on your car, whether it's modified or if you plan to modify it in the future. If standard then stock is fine, if modified go for the Cometic, they are better than the widefire, or should I say' I have never blown a cosmetic gasket but I have blown both standard and widefire gaskets.

Are you doing the rebuild yourself or using a specialist?...there are some good independent's around depending on which part of the country you live in.

Regards

Pete

 

[colin944]

Double check your prices..... Porsche do a top end set with head gasket inlet exhaust valve stem seals etc for a decent price.

 

[supersport]

ORIGINAL: colin944

Double check your prices..... Porsche do a top end set with head gasket inlet exhaust valve stem seals etc for a decent price.

Ooh that sounds good, do you have a part number or know what it's actually called, will be ordering in the next week. Any idea from the top of your head what the reasonable price is?

 

[colin944]

For an S2 with the rocker cover gasket and all the bugs and plugs it was £120 ish .

 

[Austin09]

I've been on the phone to Porsche and they told me they don't do a set, I have to order individually. I have a 951.
Online i've found only OEM kits, and they're missing a few seals anyway.

 

[Austin09]

ORIGINAL: PSH

Hi

nothing wrong with Victor Reinz especially when talking a top end rebuild, I use them as I'm sure many other here do...the only seal that I'm aware of that needs careful selection is the rear crank seal as there has been issues in the past...alas i can't remember the details now but it may be covered in my rebuild thread. Regarding the head gasket?..this depends on your car, whether it's modified or if you plan to modify it in the future. If standard then stock is fine, if modified go for the Cometic, they are better than the widefire, or should I say' I have never blown a cosmetic gasket but I have blown both standard and widefire gaskets.

Are you doing the rebuild yourself or using a specialist?...there are some good independent's around depending on which part of the country you live in.

Regards

Pete

Thanks Pete,
I'm doing the head rebuild myself. I'll check the head over and may get some machine work done on it. I'll order stock HG unless it has been skimmed then Porsche do a thicker one.

Thanks

 

[PSH]

That's what i like to hear 'hands on approach' ...

If you are near London and find that a standard thickness gasket (1.2mm) is good enough then I have one from the Victor Reinz kit sitting here that you are very welcome too FOC...alas I'm too lazy to package and post..life's to short... I would get the head checked for flatness first though or you may be changing the HG again sooner than you may wish.

Regards

Pete

 

[Austin09]

Thank you,

Yes I am near London I'm in south bucks, just outside the M25.
I fear it is warped or corroded as the PO changed it about 18 months ago and I barely drive mine. I think i've done 3000 miles last year!

Right now I'm making a list using the schematics of all seals and gaskets I need. I'm trying to workout if I need to get a locking took to undo the timing belt of if i can just lock the flywheel through an inspection hole with a screwdriver.

Rennlist have a great guide and I have a workshop manual on CD at home.

 

[PSH]

hmm... you could be right...18 months with little use isn't right, it is possible that the head wasn't tightened down properly last time though...personally I would skim it just to be sure...the workshop manual gives the dimensions to check as to whether you need a thicker HG or not, get it skimmed and then measure to see if you need the thicker gasket. I'll hold on to this gasket until you know, if you can't use it i'm sure another can make use of it at some point in the future....
Regarding the locking tool...i see it as a nice tool to have as it makes life a little easier but not necessary to do the job if you don't have it, the belts have been done on my car a number of times over the years and we never required the locking tool, or in fact any Porsche specialist tool.

Do check the valve guides, they are cheap to buy and not much more to get fitted, I have used 'Middlesex Boring' in Mill Hill for various small machining jobs including the valve guides, the rest is no different to decoking old engines from the past...some lapping paste fine/coarse, lapping stick and lots of elbow grease...

Pete