mechanic28

iTrader: (5)

change a headgasket on a completely standard sapp 4x4 cossie wheb going up to stage 1?the car has done 80k miles no problems with it etc,i have said not to worry at this power level but some other more experienced veiws with cossies would be of help

R5FORD

iTrader: (1)

if you ahve the funds it wouldnt harm.

orion_crazy_carl

iTrader: (3)

there not tht much more expensive,seems silly not to uprate it

Turbo Zetec

iTrader: (1)

i'd stick the ST Escos gasket on there... better safe than sorry

col cos1

iTrader: (5)

i wouldnt bother atal

my first saph was standard when i got it,115k,i staged 3 it and it got a serious kick in everytime it was out inc lots of 1/4 miles and it never let go

gil

it is a cossie weak link......cost virtually fuck all too change and only takes a couple off hours

BigErn

Wouldnt worry at stage 1 tbh. Has it had one before? If you do Id put a small turbo Escos one on it. Cheap and easy to do.

tabetha

The escos one has different waterway holes in the gasket, it will work, but so would a group a which is what I would use.
It is not so much the gasket you use but the TECHNIQUE when tightening down.
If you use a FIBROUS gasket either group a or escos, you absolutely MUST let it rest.
I would also use ARP studs, I torque mine up to 120lb ft, in 3 stages, rest for at least two hours then retorque.
It will of course need to be skimmed.
It may last it may go soon, ask yourself what is more convenient, doing it now when you choose or when the car chooses, and if you don't spot it in time will you do any damage ?
tabetha