Worthy 'upgrades' whilst heads are off

[Martin S]

Took heads off yesterday. As I collate a list of the consumables required (nuts, bolts, gaskets, etc.) I was wondering what other things would be worth contemplating whilst I have access. For example, the water pump (which appears to work fine) is a 6 vane. Is this worth upgrading to a more efficient type? Was planning on using the 'improved design' inlet manifold and head gaskets from EJ Ward. I might as well replace the thermostat whilst I'm here ... EJ suggested 82 degrees for a Mk2, but see that there are other options, Anyway, it's always nice to spend someone else's money ... so suggest away ... and I'll see what Santa brings for Christmas.

[DJT]

88-degree thermostat is fine; I have been using them for about 25 years.

If the water pump gear is in good condition it can be re-used, but finding a good rebuild kit can be a challenge nowadays. I understand EJ Ward will not rebuild a Stag engine without changing it to electric pump, but Trevor at Faversham Classics religiously sticks to the original pump. Alternatively there is the external belt driven pump which many (including me) use.

As for manifold gaskets, this is another item disputed by professional builders. Some will not use the ones with slits, others insist on using genuine Payen items with the slit.

[JeffW]

Agreed with all of what DJT says.

I can also confirm Trevor at Faversham will only use the gaskets with the slit when he is building an engine where the surfaces are flat and mate perfectly (ie after skimming both the heads and the block if necessary). He also has gaskets with the slit custom made for him that are reinforced with steel mesh of some kind. If he is replacing a water pump and not touching the heads, he will use non-slitted ones from SOC Spares with sealant to ensure no leaks.

Jeff

[wilf]

Worth replacing the core plug on the underside of the manifold if not already done.

[flying farmer]

Worth replacing all the core plugs in the heads while they are off. I made the mistake of not doing it on the first engine I rebuilt, and within a couple of years I was removing a head to replace the core plugs as one had corroded through

[alan_thomas]

Worth fitting helicoils to all the threaded inlet mounting holes while they are off. In my opinion a mandatory mod.
Alan

[Martin S]

Thank you everyone ... it's always great to have the low down from those in the know ... the 'been there done it' crowd of 'hard knocks' ... a real sense of camaraderie

[Rigid]

I'll second the idea of Heli-coils for all the inlet manifold holes, even when not taking the heads off.
If for no reason other than the sense of security it gives when tightening the bolts down.