I have my engine on the bench whist the van is being painted and i want to change all of the gaskets and seals as it was pretty leaky. I'm also considering changing the barrels and pistons whilst its out, its currently a 1641 and apart from a huge flat spot which may have been distributor related it felt slow but strong. - Anything to watch out for regarding gasket kits and whose is best? I seem to recall something about poor quality push rod seals. - Is it worth getting 1641 barrels and pistons or should i just get 1600? again anything to look out for regarding make and quality. - Does a gasket kit come with the required seals for changing barrels or do i need some extra?
Hi get a Elring gasket set, never had a problem with them and have used several so far on the builds I have done, they are about £20 here is the link https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/bee...el-oil-seal/?crumbStartPage=1&crumbStartRow=1 I have also use the 1641cc barrels and pistons from them and have had no problems. https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/bee...69mm-repro/?crumbStartPage=2&crumbStartRow=17 The gasket set will do for a complete strip down so no need to get any others
Here is the GSF one, yes its cheaper by a couple of quid but I cannot comment on the quality as I have never used this set. http://www.gsfcarparts.com/115vg0081
I can confirm the GSF expensive set is Elring and I have no problems with any leaks through joints using gaskets and seals from that kit, after 4000+ miles since engine rebuild in April/May.
I'm just about to do exactly the same with my engine, but probably also adding twin 34ict carbs. Are the Heritage barrels and Pistons above the ones to go for - or is it best to go with branded ones such as AA/Mahle?
the heritage ones I have put the link for are AA ones, have used several sets so far on my builds and never had a problem and find Heritage a good firm to deal with along with text messages from DPD courier to let you know when delivery is going to happen so not long waiting in.
Mahle are possibly better, but they're OTT unless you'll be reving your engine up to 10,000 rpm. I've used AA barrels, pistons and heads in standard and non-standard engines and they're well made and great value.