Head Gasket Kit

[GeoffSmith]

Some interesting information on Isuzu Performance:

PLEASE NOTE: The 4XE1 DOHC 1.6 liter Non-turbo, 4XE1 DOHC 1.6 liter Turbo, and 4XF1 DOHC 1.8 liter Non-turbo engines use DIFFERENT PATTERN HEADGASKETS. Water flow through the block is controlled by the shape and size of the water jacket openings in the head gasket.
Using a 1.6 liter Turbo or 1.8 liter head gasket on a 1.6 liter Non-turbo engine will result in engine temperatures too low for the oil to properly lubricate the engine, resulting in rapid bearing wear and engine failure.
Using a 1.6 liter Non-turbo or 1.8 liter Non-turbo head gasket on a Turbocharged engine will result in inadequate engine cooling, overheating, oil breakdown and lubricant failure, head warpage, cracks in the engine's water jacket, and destruction of the engine.

Maybe the reason for the problems Monty had.

[dapinky]

Good info, Geoff!

It answers the question of why they have different part numbers, and Lotus were selling off the NA gaskets for £2 each!

(and before anyone asks, they haven't got any left, but i might be able to lay my hands on one - assuming they are still where i sent them )

[Fubar1764]

I'm happy to pick the parts up and ship them if LGM is busy.

[Nickydee]

In the absence of alternatives, I recently used the Felpro item from Rock. Looked like a quality item. Done over 700 miles since with no problems

[GeoffSmith]

Good info, Geoff!

I sometime amaze myself!

[Specky]

I've gotta New Lotus N/A head gasket if anyone needs a picture to compare to an SE or isuzu item

TTFN

[ESM]

In the absence of alternatives, I recently used the Felpro item from Rock. Looked like a quality item. Done over 700 miles since with no problems

The problem I have with the head gasket parts listed on RockAuto is that they are listed as being suitable for both the 4XE1W and the 4XE1W-T (the Elan N/A and turbo engines respectively). As Geoff already mentioned in the previous page the cooling channels should be different between these two applications. So while the gasket will certainly fit the head I question if it will do the engine/turbo any good.

So far the best option I have found is a BGA - British Gaskets (automotive) part number CH5566. They list different gaskets for the two engine types. Their catalogue can be found here - follow the Isuzu Impulse application, the Elan is not listed. They do not sell direct but they tell me that EXPRESS ENGINE PARTS - 01642 613605, who are local to me, supply their stuff. If you email them with a postcode they'll tell you who's local to you. The bad news is that it's not cheap at upwards of £80...

I also asked Ferriday about the possibility of making one they say:

If all else fails I can make a Bi-Metal gasket in thickness of 0.6mm or 1.0mm for you, cost is £158.00 plus P&P, though these gaskets are nowhere near as user-friendly as the softer gaskets you'll be familiar with. There's some info attached that explains more about these gaskets.

[Specky]

Here's the N/A version for comparrison should anyone require it....



TTFN

[GeoffSmith]

DocFizzypop's Lotus TURBO gasket (from gasket set A1006184S):

[GeoffSmith]

Monty's Lotus TURBO gasket:

[Specky]

Lotus N/A Gasket



Easier to compare

TTFN

[GeoffSmith]

[Monty]

Note, that i cut water ways out larger to match head and block, ie one on the far left and 2 on the far right.

Looks like the N/A gasket is the same but someone couldn`t take a pic of the full gasket

[Specky]

You need a bigger screen you mad fool...



TTFN

[GeoffSmith]

You need a bigger screen you mad fool...

[Alan_C]

Head gaskets.jpg

Comparing the 2 gaskets, it seems the NA has more restrictive water ways next to number 1 and 4 cylinders, it has 4 holes while the turbo gasket has 3 of these holes elongated into slots. Would it not just be a simple matter of modifying a NA gasket with a craft knife to replicate the slots (I've drawn in red where to cut on the NA gasket)? The NA gasket is available at around £52 and a NA head set at £70.

[GeoffSmith]

They were Monty's modifications cutlea01 (probably with a hammer aka the Irish craft knife ). Look at Doc Fizzix's gasket for an example of a proper Turbo manifold.

[Alan_C]

Ah! I didn't read the posts well enough. So, what are the differences, I can't see any?

[Specky]

You need a bigger screen you mad fool...



TTFN

just viewed this thread on safari with an Iphone- half a photograph...

With IE8 I can see the full gasket

all very strange,

there is a difference I can see...... 4 orange seals against 3

I've got something in my mind that says the thickness of the gasket maybe different.....

TTFN

TTFN

[tonny006]

I fitted a BGA gasket on my S2 in December as it was the only one i could get,it looked identical to the OE one.
I have done about 2000 miles and 3 track days so far with no problems.
I hope this helps someone make a decision.