6 replies to this topic

[secondopsman]

Hi everyone
Im about to replace the standard head on my 1990 998 mini flame with a 12g295 (as per mr vizard) question for you do i need to change the head bolts and nuts and should i use a copper head gasket or is there any special gasket ect i should use
Thanks in advance
Pete

[DaveRob]

If you think the head studs are in anyway suspect id change them... best is ARP and rather than use the haynes values for the torque they are supplied with proper instalation lub and torque figures. Head studs can 'grow' after a few gasket changes. So Id change to ARP then you know where you are.

Just my thoughts

Rob

[ian2000t]

ARP ones are around £100 though!

I've just changed mine for Minispares Competition ones (£55) which are much better quality than standard ones.

I've torqued mine down to 50lb/ft. Minispares instructions are rubbish - between the website and the instructions they quote 3 different torque figures - 45/55/65, that's my only criticism.

About the Headgasket, I'm sure I've heard bad things about them, I always use the black Payen ones.

[Retro_10s]

Copper HG's are fine, but the black Payen-type are best.

BK450 is the product code for it.

[Ethel]

You can reuse studs and, unlike bottom end nuts 'n bolts, it's not a total disaster if they let you down. It's your choice and your money.

[ian2000t]

I was gonna say BK450, but does that work ok on a 998?


I've raised compression and use the car daily (15k/yr) so I'd rather pay the extra for the Minispares studs if I can prevent any HGF's!

[dklawson]

Regardless of the exact part number, the Payen Black is the gasket for a street engine. They are coated and provided a very good, reliable seal.