G'day

I brought my son a ke30 for his first car

It has a blown head gasket. Looking for options in motors

Easy swaps or repair the head gasket

Any thoughts ?

Cheers Dave

Well the 3k/4k (which ever it has) has got to be one of the easiest engines to do a headgasket on! You'll have it all appart in an hour or two.

 

If you have the 3k (1.2L) then a 4k(1.3L) is good option as an "upgrade".

 

and if you have a 4k, then a 5k (1.5L) is a good option but a bit more costly.

 

If the engine you have is in good condition (appart from a headgasket), an overhaul of the head, new gasket will get it into order and with regular maintence probably give many years of service.

If your son is on his P's, better off repairing the engine, pretty much no options (for engine conversions) when it comes to P plate laws,

 

cheers!

Cheers for the replies

Will get some quotes on getting the head checked out

 

Thanks again

The cheapest option could be to replace the head gasket: machine cylinder head surface (~$70-$80), new manifold and head gasket, oil and coolant, oil filter, thermostat etc. Then track down the cause, e.g. leaking water pump, radiator, or radiator hose etc. With the head off you might get it pressure tested for a crack (~$80). If the engine has done a few miles then it could have a leaking valve, or valve steam seals. So little things can add up.

 

I would invest in a good running 5KC engine. Straight drop in. Most parts from a 3K/4K can swap over. Not a huge increase in power, but it gives a good starting base. Cam, 32/36 Weber, compression, extractors and 2" exhaust would make it go alright.

 

http://www.ebay.com....=item3cd6366d80

 

Little bit further down the track you could go 4age. I think there's conversion kits for the KE30, like engine mounts making it easier.

 

http://www.rollaclub...-mounting-kits/

 

I reckon it's more safer to have more power. For example, over taking a truck, or pulling out in heavy traffic.