Help with VW headgasket - TDR Roundtable

Help with VW headgasket

02-22-2008, 01:04 AM

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JHastings

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Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 261 Photo Gallery Old Reader's Rigs Gallery

Help with VW headgasket

Well,
I am taking delivery on my new to me 81 Rabbit pickup with a 1.6L diesel and a 4-speed. I got it cheap since it has a blown headgasket, but it only has 79,XXX on it. Head has been resurfaced already and I have seen some threads on measuring piston protrusion to get the right headgasket. My question is, since these things blow headgaskets all the time, whould I get studs for it?

I found ARP's for $130. Money well spent?
Also, anything special I should do when I drop the head on? Special Tools? Better gaskets than others?

Thanks,
Jamie

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