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[mantagte]

ok going to have a go at dads head gasket
do i go for genuine gaskets or pattern parts
if pattern part what do you recomend
do the head bolts need changing
am i gonna be sorry

[ChevetteNick]

if pattern part what do you recomend

Payen every day

do the head bolts need changing

Yes as they are of the "stretch" type.

[Bionic]

Hi m8,
You never said what your dad drives so I will guess its a v model, if it is both heads are best done at the same time, it will save a lot of work later. I would not use anything but VX/GM bits because the aftermarket gaskets and associated bits you will need do not fit, or as reliable as the true OEM bits. New head bolts are a must! The cam cover gaskets in particular will almost certainly leak after a while as will the exhaust manifold joints if you try to save a bit by using aftermarket parts.
Also you MUST use a torque wrench and torque everything by the book. The top end is alloy and plastic so is not tolerant of overtightening anything because it will end up stripping the threads.
You might as well do everything you can while you are on with the heads to prevent having to do the stripdown again for something you thought might be ok, the thermostat, the transfer pipe seals, and of course the transfer bridge seals at the back. Have a good looky at the HBV while you are able to get to it easily.
Either mark the mating ends of all of the connections and pipes, particularly the vacuum pipes or draw good diagrams. I take digital photos from every angle!
Finally, grow some spare new skin and patience and have a large swear box handy. You will probably need all of them 
All your gasket sets and head bolts can be had from here;
http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/GASKETS-for-CLASSICS__W0QQ_armrsZ1
the choice of aftermarket or genuine is yours because they sell both. Note that the difference in cost is not so big either!
Hope good fortune and weather are with you.
GudLuk

[Elite Pete]

Get your head gaskets and bolts off this bloke
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-VECTRA-2-5-V6-X25XE-HEAD-GASKET-SET_W0QQitemZ140376539940QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item20af180324

and cam cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets form Vauxhall

[Marks DTM Calib]

Right

Head gaskets and bolts from Trechii as per Elite Petes link

Cam cover gaskets from Vx

Exhaust manifold gaskets from vx

Manifold to front pipe gaskets from Vx

Coolant pipe to block seal from Vx

Coolant bridge dowty washers from Vx

Re-use the cam seals

Consider re-sealing the oil cooler plate and stat housing whilst in there

[ScottieMV6]

Get your head gaskets and bolts off this bloke
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-VECTRA-2-5-V6-X25XE-HEAD-GASKET-SET_W0QQitemZ140376539940QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item20af180324

and cam cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets form Vauxhall

What he said. I would give Trechii a call and ask him for a pice specifically for two head gaskets and 16 head bolts. Quicker than trawling through his ebay shop and probably a little cheaper too.

His number is 01246 280863