Hi, the KR and 6a head gaskets are different. I imagine you use the 6a gasket when using the 6a head, but which head gasket should i use when using the KR head? 6a to match the bore size? Also, when swapping the cams, i know to keep the bearing caps with the head, but does it matter if i use the 6a tappets with the KR cams? cheers, Oli. Edited by: Oli.Hall
Use the correct head gasket for the block so 6A H/G on 6A block. All the 16v (and 8v) tappets are the same on VW engines, so you can use anything you like! Joe
Cool, I'll get the 6a head gasket then. I know the tappets will fit, but do you have to use the tappets with the cams that they came from? i.e. do they wear and become matched to the cam lobes? cheers, Oli.
Ah, now I get ya, umm not really no, they're hardened steel and rotate in use so don't tend to wear. I'd stick with the 6A ones if it was me. Joe
The 6a is the same as the 9a but with a different sump, oil cooler, inlet and exhaust to allow it to be mounted longways in the audi. if you use the inlet & exhaust from your KR engine, and either rotate or change the oil cooler it is the same as the 9a.
don't split the head from the 6a block unless you absolutely have to - in which case you shouldn't buy it in the first place!!! and tappets aren't a huge amount of money and well worth just getting new ones.
I'd heard that the KR head was marginally better for top end power becuase if it's bigger inlet ports. I was thinking about putting my old KR head on for a month or so while i got the 6a head ported, and then swap them back after. What's the reason for not splitting the 6a head from the block?
the reason i say not to do it is because you'll end up paying for an extra head set when it isn't worth the bother the difference between the two heads is so marginal. either get your old kr head rebuilt and flowed before putting it on or have the car off the road whilst you get the 6a head flowed. places like tsr do them on exchange anyway.
