Head Gasket Kits

[andrer]

I'm doing a replacement on the ever so popular V6 3VZE head gaskets. What I'm wondering is should I get the kit at Toyota or is it ok to cheap out and buy aftermarket kits? I've seen pretty cheap kits on e-bay and am quite tempted. Any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[andrer]

come on...someone must have a good suggestion

 

[fourwd1]

engnbldr.com, best prices and service for Toyota engine parts, period.

 

[andrer]

So you're saying it's OK to go with an aftermarket company versus Genuine Toyota part?? I just don't want to have to do it all over again in 50 000 KMs. Obviously, Toyota screwed up in the material they used the first time and probably have it right now.

 

[drmorbius]

So you're saying it's OK to go with an aftermarket company versus Genuine Toyota part?? I just don't want to have to do it all over again in 50 000 KMs. Obviously, Toyota screwed up in the material they used the first time and probably have it right now.

From what I've been reading this problem is due to different thermal expansion and contraction rates of the block and heads. The block is cast iron and the heads are aluminum. The infamous Chevrolet Vega had the same problem with head gaskets. They had aluminum blocks and cast iron heads. Not sure the composition of the head gasket can remedy this problem. Some people had success machining the block for "O" rings around the cylinders and water passages.