Gen I guys - LOOK HERE!!! (Head Gaskets)
Gen I guys - LOOK HERE!!! (Head Gaskets)
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Discussion

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Tuesday 9th September 2008
quotequote all
We are all aware of the potential issues surrounding GenI Head gaskets.

Dan Lesser from Viper Speciality www.ViperSpecialty.com is offering a deal on GenI replacement Head Gaskets. They have decided to make sets, as they are now becoming EXTREMELY difficult to get hold of.

Link to Thread on VCA Forums

I have taken this from his initial post:



We have pretty much decided on biting the bullet on getting Gen-1 head gaskets produced at a reasonable cost. Of course, we will be offering an introductory price at PEANUTS compared to Dodge's current pricing.

We can really use some pre-orders on this, as the quantity we need to purchase is quite...huge. These gaskets will be of HIGHER quality than the OEM gaskets. The gasket design is the same as those used in the highest horsepower Vipers out there, and the same as what we use exclusively on every engine we build for Gen-2 and Gen-3. [along with virtually everyone else]

Key Features Include:

-Multi-Layer Steel Design
-CAD designed and laser cut
-Viton sealing Surface
-Graphite coating for easy removal- no sticky mess like OEM gaskets
-Available in a range of thicknesses and bore sizes

For an "exact match" of OEM gaskets, order a 4.020 bore, and .051 thickness, to which I would add the .010 to attain a final gasket size of 4.030. The replacement Mopar gaskets are actually a 4.030 bore if measured to account for any size from 4.000 to 4.030. The difference from .051 to .053 is next to nothing, and will have no practical impact on compression ratio. (Though in all honesty, I still advise the general formula of bore + .010 that we always use, it gives a "tad" extra sealing area than the "one-size-fits-all" setups that Dodge sells.)


Here is how the prices stack up:

Normal Dodge Price: 536.00 EACH!!! (less 20% of course)
Group Buy: $125.00 Each! (That is a savings of over 600 bucks per pair, even AFTER discount!)


You may order the gaskets in any bore or thickness you want, no changes in pricing.

Wholesale Orders Welcome!




I have posted a response asking if he is happy to post/ship to the UK, and will keep you posted on this, at the price he's offering these at I'm personally likely to bit his arm off.

All other gaskets required during the replacement of head gaskets will need to be ordered via Chuck at Tator's Dodge as these parts are only available from Mopar.

Link to product on ViperSpeciality Website

Picture link from their website:


I will keep you posted on further info & developments.

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Tuesday 9th September 2008
quotequote all
Good News!

Dan has confirmed that he is happy to post to the UK, he has said to ignore the cost that is quoted on the website when ordering, as this is by UPS which will be more expensive, he will use USPS for overseas orders as they are substantially cheaper.


Leatherman

1,030 posts

248 months

Tuesday 9th September 2008
quotequote all
RT/10Dave said:
Good News!

Dan has confirmed that he is happy to post to the UK, he has said to ignore the cost that is quoted on the website when ordering, as this is by UPS which will be more expensive, he will use USPS for overseas orders as they are substantially cheaper.
I dont know if mine have ever been replaced so it seems like a good idea to have a pair in reserve. You can put me down for a set Dave.

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Tuesday 9th September 2008
quotequote all
It's probably unlikely Tony, but it is easy to tell by getting under the car on the passenger side and looking up under the engine, you will be able to see part of the gasket sticking out, the original paper/card type ones are pretty obvious and are pretty crumbly on the edge (Don't knock it about too much as you don't want to start a problem). The newer MLS (Multi-layer steel) type will look like the above picture.

Leatherman

1,030 posts

248 months

Tuesday 9th September 2008
quotequote all
I think I will just assume they have not been replaced.I have a very detailed service history with the car and saw no mention of it. Interestingly the car spent all it's life in Monaco and just came back here for servicing and MoT. That's why the soft top had never been used.

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2008
quotequote all
According to the US thread, when ordering order the following sizes (for stock size):

Gen-1 Custom MLS Head Gaskets
- Bore 4.02
- Thickness .051

$125 each, (order 2 per engine)

Edited by RT/10Dave on Tuesday 23 September 11:13

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Friday 3rd October 2008
quotequote all
UPDATE!!!

QUOTE FROM VCA THREAD:


Ok, here is what is happening:

-Gaskets will begin shipping at the end of the month.

-Pre-Ordering will end on OCTOBER 15th, after which time the pre-ordering price will expire.

-Credit Cards for Pre-Orders will be charged on OCTOBER 16th.


I cant stress this enough guys, the normal retail price of these gaskets after the 15th will be MUCH HIGHER than the pre-ordering price!!! Stock pile these if you plan on keeping your car!


GET YOUR ORDERS IN NOW!!!

bigviper

3,365 posts

252 months

Friday 3rd October 2008
quotequote all
WOT NOW!!!!

RT/10Dave

Original Poster:

6,364 posts

230 months

Friday 3rd October 2008
quotequote all
NOW!!!

Viper

10,005 posts

295 months

Friday 3rd October 2008
quotequote all
do the right thing Dave, get a GTS problem solved wink

V1PER

6,630 posts

282 months

Friday 3rd October 2008
quotequote all
Fofget the GTS unless you buy Neils..... And get that 08/09 ACR......