Head gasket difference KR/9A

Discussion in '16-valve' started by DuBDuDe, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    Hi lads, I need to get a hg for my 9a with a KR head. Looking at part numbers it looks as if the 9a part is different, in number anyway, to the KR item. Which part should i be buying, the one for 9a or KR? Going to get a VAG one if it matters. Don't like cheap gaskets especially on a cylinder head.
     
  2. abf"d mk1 Paid Member Paid Member

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    AS the bore seal is quite important and i believe the 9a is larger than the kr would think the 9a gasket is required.
     
  3. Trev16v

    Trev16v Paid Member Paid Member

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    You need the 9A/ABF metal head gasket.

    Clearly you don't want the KR gasket due to smaller bore size!
     
  4. Brookster

    Brookster Paid Member Paid Member

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    ABF Steel head gasket on a KR HEAD
    [​IMG]

    ABF HEAD
    [​IMG]
     
  5. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    Cheers guys. Any chance of a Vag part number so i can check it when i pick it up.
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2009
  6. Brookster

    Brookster Paid Member Paid Member

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    048-103-383D @ GSF MRP 29.06 i paid 19.20P
     
  7. Jolfa

    Jolfa Forum Junkie

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    Are the valves the same size between ABF and KR?
     
  8. Brookster

    Brookster Paid Member Paid Member

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    No

    ABF Exhaust 27MM

    KR Exhaust 28MM
     
  9. Jolfa

    Jolfa Forum Junkie

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    And with the chamber being smaller, that would surely up the compression a smidgen so a KR head would be better all round?
     
  10. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    good info cheers lads. got my bolts from gsf earlier and ordered a9a headgasket from vw which was 28 quid. not bad i thought.
     
  11. PAB

    PAB CGTI Regional Host

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    Hello there, don't want to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted, but I would seriously think about you using VAG or ARP Head bolts not GSF ones... people have experienced them going soft. You say you don't like cheap Head Gaskets, should be the same for head bolts. Just got a VAG set from Nottm. VW for my ABF rebuild. 35.00 plus VAT with CGTI discount. :thumbup:
     
  12. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    Vag wanted 6.70 per bolt when i rang them earlier. i almost spat my dummy. Arp's are like a 100 per set aren't they?
     
  13. PAB

    PAB CGTI Regional Host

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    Yeah ARPs are mega bucks... Sounds like you paying the price for London VW dealers to stay in business... try ringing Nottm. VW on 0115 920 4141 and asking if they will post them to you, just dug my invoice out, I Paid 3.94 Plus VAT per bolt, Nottingham Club GTI have sorted out extra discount... its worth a try. Seriously though, read up on GSF head bolts before you fit them. Do a forum search for them, don't just take my word.
     
  14. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    Anyone else had problems with GSF Head bolts? is this the part number for 9a/KR Head bolts from VW? 053 103 385
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2009
  15. Brookster

    Brookster Paid Member Paid Member

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    i use ARP only worth the extra money .
     
  16. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    on a bit of a budget at moment otherwise i would get ARP ones.

    Anyone know the difference in these -

    VAG 027 103 385 C 51.10 a set KR and early 9A

    VAG 053 103 385 34.40 a set Late 9A

    I woudl imagine all 16v's are the same considering GSF kits are the same part for all 16v's. I have no idea whether mines an early or late. I'll have to check the engine #.
     
  17. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    anyone know the difference between the two sets of bolts if there is one?
     
  18. sambo Paid Member Paid Member

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    I had gsf bolts snap on me way before last 90+90 deg turns!

    Bought genuine and not had a problem

    Cant remember the price

    Make sure you clean the bolt holes of all dirt/water ect

    I use old bolt with 3 grooves down the length of the thread made with angle grinder, basicaly turning it into a tap

    Do and undo the bolt few times in each hole and wipe with cloth in between

    Gets rid of all the crap and liquid if any is present

    This will ensure correct tightning
     
  19. DuBDuDe Forum Member

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    just been out to check my engine number it's 0531030210

    anyone know if that is a late or early 9A? i can't think what the difference is especially as GSF sell the same kit for all 16v's. I still might take my GSF bolts back and order some VAG ones. but id prefer to order the cheaper VAG ones !!
     
  20. Mike_H Forum Addict

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    I've had problems with GSF bolts going soft, but the FEBI ones from http://vwspares.co.uk were fine. They're about a quid each or maybe a wee bit more.


    And that's not your engine number - it'll start 9A..... and is found near the top of the block (not head) at No.3 cylinder. Hard to see if you've got the inlet manifold on. The number you quoted is the rough casting number of the block (I think).

    The 9A gasket sets should all be the same I think, and would fit a KR head too.

    BUT:
    The KR combustion chamber is a smaller diameter than the 9A block - as Brookster's pics illustrate nicely. I'd fit the 9A head, or have the KR combustion chamber opened out a little bit to smooth out the step between cylinder and combustion chamber as much as you can. Keep an eye on the combustion chamber volume though.

    I think (from memory) a KR head is a 43cc combustion chamber, and a 9A is a bit bigger, at about 46cc. You can smooth out most of the step and still get a good compression ratio I reckon.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2009

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