Head gasket gone
 

Hi All,

My head gasket has gone: black looking coolant and the usual cottage cheese in the top of the radiator. I know that will need doing. It was mentioned that I should have big end bearings done at the same time. Is this usual or just prudent considering the age of my engine?

03 JDM STI
Decat and remap

Depends on the engine mileage and how often you service it.

90 k on the clock. Servicing is inline with what could be expected (oil 8k ish and regularly for others).

As you have looked after it and run standard levels of power I would just do the head gaskets. Thats as long as the engine ran sweet before the head gasket failure (No knocking from the engine on cold start up).

This is a personal choice really, but after 90k they will probably be ready to replace, & once the engine is out & heads are off it doesn't take much longer to replace the shells anyway. Put it this way, if you don't do it & it starts knocking in a months time you'll be doing it anyway & once they start knocking the crank & rods will probably need replacing aswell making it a very expensive job. A little more expense now will save you a lot of expense in the future, do it right once that's what I say.

Well, there were some characterful noises (seen quite a few mechanics and no one could say for certain) but I think I should prepare for the worst. Richard J I think I will have to concour, get it done fully and then relax in the long term. Time to raid the piggy bank.

Wise man. Any reputable Scooby engine builder will tell you this is the only way to go with this. Are you doing it yourself or using a specialist?

There's no way I can do it myself really. apart from lack of know how I live in a flat so no chance. I think I will look at using forged rods and piston and get the car ready for 450 ish. As to who will do it my location says that my choices would be slowboy racing, fb tuning or Api. And if I can hide it from the wife of course.

All of those are reputable, I'd contact them all for a quote & take it from there.

As he says, do it now it 'll be inexpensive. Leave it and it fails it'll be a ruin of all the parts fitted now PLUS a load more.

We say:

Never enough money or time to do it right, BUT always enough time or money to do it twice...

Call me l'll talk you through costs and options.

David APi 01926 614333

Would be interested to know what the options/costs are for such a failure.

Prices will vary depending on who does it, but I think you'll be looking at about £1300 for a straight foreward job or a lot more if you go forged.

Get the shells replaced while its apart this time, it cost me 3.3K after i spun a bearing and needed crank, rods, shells etc