Head gaskets blown --which to buy

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Mar 23, 2017 | 09:16 AM
  #1  
So after 194k my head gaskets are blown. This was confirmed by my mechanic. Anyways, I was trying to see if I could save some money and buy the parts for him to install. He quoted me a price of $300 for the gaskets. However, I have seen prices ranging from $50 - $350. I' m confused on the differences or what is needed.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
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Mar 23, 2017 | 09:34 AM
  #2  
Stay with factory parts, Nissan!
Gary
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Mar 23, 2017 | 01:20 PM
  #3  
+1

That being said, $300 is very expensive for oem Nissan head gaskets...my aftermarket cosworth head gaskets did not cost that much...dealer prices may be cheaper...

Quote: Stay with factory parts, Nissan!
Gary
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Mar 23, 2017 | 04:21 PM
  #4  
I used Felpro and bought the set on ebay for $50-$60
At the same time I also did the water passage modification so I could use the HR gaskets which also have a "fire ring" to better seal the pistons + better water flow for cooling.
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Mar 25, 2017 | 11:33 PM
  #5  
Thanks for the replies. My mechanic basically doesnt want to do the job. He said its made more difficult due to the car having a timing chain and it having to come off. So my original estimate of $1800 jumped to almost $3k. I guess Im going to look for another car.
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Mar 26, 2017 | 12:13 AM
  #6  
Quote: Thanks for the replies. My mechanic basically doesnt want to do the job. He said its made more difficult due to the car having a timing chain and it having to come off. So my original estimate of $1800 jumped to almost $3k. I guess Im going to look for another car.
Yeah, it is a fair bit more involving than some other cars but depending on your own skills you could do it yourself. I did mine about a year ago.

Also, have you considered an engine swap? Could come up cheaper.
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Apr 8, 2017 | 11:25 PM
  #7  
you can get a set of OE VQ35DE gaskets from Z1 for 60ish dollars. It is almost easiest to pull the motor in order to do this job easily. Good luck whatever you decide on.

I am replacing a few pistons on mine right now and ordered the upgraded VQ35HR like BradMD said, and upgraded the head bolts to the MR motor head bolts (higher tensile strength). Hope to have a pretty solid supercharged motor with those components.
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