genuine head gasket or aftermarket?

[zurgieSR]

howdy. Im intending to get head gasket kit this week for my ep82. Was just curious about what gasket to go for as i work in a toyota dealership and have no problem getting my hands on genuine parts for the 4efte (at discount ofcourse ). Though ive seen some people use these steel gaskets from athenas (i think) at silly money. Im in contact with quite a few Ae86 enthusiasts and they swear by the genuine toyota stuff. I dont intend on any big power gains in the near future, just want an engine thats running fine for the mean time (my valve stem oil seals are leaking abit ). Any advice much appreciated.

[TurboTobz]

Toyota ones are fine if your average power and boost

[funny onion]

I've always used toyota ones and never had a problem.

Hear more horror stories and problems about Athena ones than about genuine toyota ones.

[mikey4410]

Toyota genuine,got mine from tuning developments

Remember that the oem ones last like 17 years .mine did ,when i opened her up didnt actually need replacing at all but did it for peace of mind.

[Socks]

I run an Athena gasket, with no issues. I did have my block and head skimmed tho!

Stock gasket is fine tho for any power level. Benefit of the Athena is they open up the rest of the waterways!

[RobSR]

^hmmm ive known plenty of people blow the standard gasket to bits.

[TurboTobz]

I'd only reccomend one for sub standardish mid powered engines, anymore and I'd rather not risk it.

Edited September 23, 2013 by TurboTobz

[zurgieSR]

Thanks, got genuine head gasket kit ordered today, all gaskets, and 16 valve stem seals for £105.

[gorganl2000]

the genuine gasket is quiet good...i've seen reasonable power go through it without any problems---up to 300whp

[Phil]

Toyota do a 0.5mm MLS one for the paseo thats as close to a 0.6mm TRD one you'll ever get.

cheap and hardy, depends what your running though.

what id choose.

Phil

[zurgieSR]

Running standard (i think) Got the full toyota set today. Was wondering if anyone has changed the valve seals, do i need to get my hands on a clamp or something suitable to press the springs down to get the keepers off? Not worried about dropping a valve as the heads going to be off anyways.