Hi all,

Which cylinder head gasket would you recommend between the 3 listed below? Not sure to know the difference between the 3 anyway. That's for a 98 XJ sport, 4.0, 310k miles. The original gasket is still on there; I am thinking it is time for some preventative maintenance..

All 3 from Rockauto
FEL-PRO Part # 9076PT1 More Info PermaTorque® $14.54

VICTOR REINZ Part # 54249 More Info Multi-Layered Steel $26.79

FEL-PRO Part # 530SD More Info PermaTorque Severe Duty® $26.99

Thanks for your help.

 

Most folks go with Fel-Pro, I run with Victor... The difference is crush thickness, the 14$ one is stock the other two just a little heavier duty.

 

Felpro all the way.

 

Thank you both. And do you think the "severe duty" rating is worth the added cost vs the "regular" fel pro, for a stock xj, no wheeling, 60mph freeway type of driving?

 

Yep.

 

What the best a felpro triple layer or a single layer stock style?

 

Wait... Are you changing a head gasket "just because"?? If there are NO symptoms of head failure it would be best to leave it ALONE.

Seriously. Don't disturb Pharaohs Tomb.. MAYBE A simple compression test of you are nervous about something.

If you are concerned about the cost of a gasket, have you priced out local machine shops yet? If you DO decide to pull the head off. You SHOULD have it checked out by a machine shop for warpage, cracks and valve condition.

While the head is off, you should change the thermostat too. Might as well do hoses and waterpump while you are in there. Also timing set for funzies. Gasket cost is the least of your worries of pulling the head.

 

What diskman said. Don't pull that head for preventive maintenance.

If you do, then the choice is, "None of the above." You need a SET of gaskets (like this), not just the head gasket. You need the head gasket, the thermostat gasket, the water pump gasket, and the intake & exhaust manifold gasket. (Did I miss any?) And you'd be crazy to not replace the valve cover gasket while you're in there.

 

What's the best type of head gasket a oem style one or a triple layer steel one?

 

I found this on a Felpro HS 26211 PT a "PerrmaTorque MLS head gasket. MLS head gaskets provide the best seal, but require extremely smooth and flat surfaces to seal properly” (From Fel-pro product forum). Or HS 9076 PT-4 “contains a PermaTorque head gasket, which is a composite gasket. Sealing surface finish and flatness must still meet the factory specifications, but these gaskets seal rougher surfaces than MLS gaskets.” (From Fel-pro product forum).

 

Depends on what you did with the engine. Stroker? You need to adjust the gasket thickness for proper quench. Just replacing the head or R&R? Can't go wrong with FelPro or OEM.

 

Stock motor and just replacing a leaking head gasket

 

You know for sure it's the head gasket and nothing else?

 

Yes I know it's deff a head gasket

 

Just get the FelPro set from NAPA. It's got everything you need.