[Vwdiesel] Head Bolts and more

[Dave Cook]

I was at the auto parts store ordering all the stuff for the Banana Rabbit Rebuild (*however far that takes me).

One of the things I knew I would use would be a head gasket and bolts.  They didn't list any of the 11mm bolts for a diesel rabbit.  But I recalled someone saying here that gasser bolts were somehow better, or at least just as good.

So I had him look up bolts for an '85 Jetta gasser.  They were the same diameter and length (11x96) so I had him get a set.  

So was I right in my memory?  How, if at all, are they better?  Or is it, as I'm starting to think as I type this, that it is the raceware studs that are better and you have to order them for a gas engine?

*I've been talking to a gentleman who is known around the local VW club as being somewhat of a guru in the old bunny engines.  He has about talked me into simply rebuilding the second engine (honing, rings, bearings) though some of you guys about have me convinced otherwise!

I think my newest plan is to pull the head in engine #2.  The head I pulled off #1 looks really good, I didn't even see any cracks between the valves so I imagine odds are it is better.  This gives me a chance to look inside a bit and see what I see.  

If everything looks bright and shiny where it should be, I will probably first try putting the good head on it and go from there.  If it looks like there could be some benefit to going further, then I will.

Dave Cook