Head Gasket further probs

[JMallows]

So, after finding out i need a new head gasket on the 1.3 Golf (see prev. posts). I took the head off with relative ease, and found that the head is porous Apparantly this happens with age.

The car is with the garage, but they seem to be having problems with fixing. They have said that they cant find a new/replacement cylinder head....

With a bit of a chat, we have three options:

1) Possible recon head from TSR (waiting for a call to check availability). About £300 plus fitting
2) Refit the broken head, then sell. Garage have said i could get £1500 for the car, seems high to me, but it is in very good condition, no rust at all etc
3) He has said he knows someone who can fit a GTI 16v engine for about £700 all in. This seems too cheap to me, and he could therefore be a cowboy?!

Or, i buy a GTI myself and convert it myself. This, i have heard, is quite tricky, and i lack some mechanical knowledge, and knowing what is actually required!

Scrapping car not really an option, it is really too good for this...

Any advice?

Thanks

[jmsheahan]

What do you want out of it mate?

If it were me I'd be looking at GTI power however I have no idea how involved the wiring is. I reckon you could get a cylinder head cheaper than £300. How bad is the state of the current one? TSR is expensive for what they are IMO.

If you get a refurb head be sure you know it's a good un. Spent £300 on one last year and it lasted about 1000 miles. Which garage is it with out of interest? (Salisbury is close to me). Are you refitting the head yourself?

[Wayne]

Just drop a s/h 2.0 lump in and run it on a weber carb, easy and simple.

[mwep201081]

i have a 1.3 head spare but it is solid lifter.....yours if you need it for 90 quid plus postage

[JMallows]

What do you want out of it mate?

If it were me I'd be looking at GTI power however I have no idea how involved the wiring is. I reckon you could get a cylinder head cheaper than £300. How bad is the state of the current one? TSR is expensive for what they are IMO.

If you get a refurb head be sure you know it's a good un. Spent £300 on one last year and it lasted about 1000 miles. Which garage is it with out of interest? (Salisbury is close to me). Are you refitting the head yourself?

The garage i normally use is Autowork in Salisbury, highly recommended. However, i am currently in Aberystwyth, and have taken it to a non VW garage, mistake... I am very tempted to go with GTI

Just drop a s/h 2.0 lump in and run it on a weber carb, easy and simple.

2litre from where? Wouldnt a carbed 2l be pretty thirsty?!

i have a 1.3 head spare but it is solid lifter.....yours if you need it for 90 quid plus postage

What do you mean, solid lifter?

[Wayne]

Just drop a s/h 2.0 lump in and run it on a weber carb, easy and simple.

2litre from where? Wouldnt a carbed 2l be pretty thirsty?!

Not if it is jetted and set up correctly, single weber dmtr with a manual choke plus run a GTI cam means you will have nice combo of power and torque.

[mwep201081]

early style cylinder head (pre '85), with solid tappets, as opposed to hydraulic ones.....

[jmsheahan]

Just drop a s/h 2.0 lump in and run it on a weber carb, easy and simple.

Good idea 

If you are tempted with a GTI lump and you've done yours sums (weighed up fuel economy, cost etc - is this car your daily?) then go with that. You could pick up an 8v lump and box for £100-150. There was one the other day for £50, complete setup 

One thing to bare in mind is 'extras'. If you change the lump you'll need new engine mounts, a clutch etc etc. Decide your route and do your homework thoroughly.

Putting another 1300 head on there will be the easiest option but not necessarily the cheapest bang for buck perhaps.