Ok I risk setting the cat amonst the pigeons here, but I'm after a bit of a sensible/factual debate based on current curcumstances.
Circumstances are as follows. I have a poorly 2.0 16v Omega which I'm currently doing a top end stripdown, clean, and rebuild on a low budget.
Chances are when it runs I will sell the Disco, and I will need the 2.0 Estate to "get us by" for about 6 months.
My question (and I want to ask a wide audience) is this -
I have bought a head gasket set with every top end gasket/seal required to complete the build.
All mating surfaces are squeaky clean and smooth and new studs will be used.
Do I use the composite gaskets that came in the kit for the exhaust manifold, and also use the supplied camcover gasket -
Or should I splash out around £40 extra for the genuine VX ones?
If this was a newer, nicer car I wouldn't even be asking the question, but remembering the car's value (about £400 most when running) and the length of time I need it, I am tossing up whether properly fitted pattern gaskets in these applications might get me by.
Answers on a postcard
I'm not convinced either way at the moment.