Gasket Questions

[N2FHL]

Failed emissions, white smoke, the intake manifold gaskets seemed ok, so I pulled the heads off my EA82 carbureted engine.

 

I gather that my best bet is to stick with OEM gaskets. Is there a gasket kit that has all the gaskets I need or do I have to order them individually?

 

How about the head gaskets? Do the OEM head gaskets have to be retorqued or can I use the FelPro ones? My American hands are already shreaded trying to work in those Japanese spaces and I'd rather not have to pull that stuff off again to retorque the heads.

[daeron]

the secret is to go to harbor freight and get a cheap set of ratcheting box socket wrenches, it makes those valve cover bolts (especially the driver side) POSSIBLE, not easier.. I wouldnt consider the job do-able with the engine in car without a 10mm ratchting wrench.

 

Fel pro perma torque HGs, OEM intake mani gaskets and cam carrier O rings (its the little o ring sandwiched between the cylinder head proper, and the cage that holds the camshaft; its metal reinforced.) BOTH OEM brand parts are available thru http://www.thepartsbin.com and no need to retorque the FPs. Fel Pro HGs are available from autozone for like $40 shipped; many recommend to also get a cheapo ebay "headgasket set" to use EVERYTHING ELSE from, since youve got it all apart anyhow. apparently theyre like 20-30 bucks?? so its worth doing; but the intake gaskets, exhaust gaskets, and head gaskets are all crapola. Round file.

 

Clean the engine bay out while you're at it.. Dont mess around, just get some nice concentrated degreaser like Simple Green or any personal favorite, spray it on, blast it off with the hose, and repeat until clean.