240Z E31 Head Gasket Options

[redzedsled]

Hello All.

 

I had ordered in a Head Gasket for my 1971 240Z with E31 head from my local Nissan dealer, and he ordered in part number 11044-27L01. After waiting a great deal of time I was informed that this gasket is NLA.

 

The other Nissan number that is available was 11044-N4221, showing fitment for Z cars from 12/74 onward. My question is does anyone know of this part number being used on an E31 head.

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[siteunseen]

According to my Datsun books the 2.4 and the 2.6 are both 83mm bore size.  The 2.8 was the bigger so I'd say NO.  12/'74 would be 86mm.

 

Try rockauto.com. 

 

EDIT:

Well after reading a little about that, I'm not positive.  I've read the headgasket should match the block not the head, so it seems it doesn't matter if the hole diameter is a little bigger against the head.  Sorry if I've caused any confusion but I would try and find one that matches the block.

 

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/headgasket/index.html

[madkaw]

Felpro or Nismo from Nissan?

[redzedsled]

Hi Guys!

 

The FelPro gasket was not recommended by my engine builder, and I have read many bad experiences in other message threads.

 

The Nismo head gasket seems the way to go despite its price of $150. This gasket, part number 11044-E4620, is shown as having an oval and not round opening measuring 85mm x 89mm.

 

When I removed the old head gasket, assuming it was the first rebuild and an original head gasket, was also this oval shape.

 

I measured an aftermarket head gasket (seems is has a sun-like logo stamped into it but measures 88.5mm round).

 

Victor Reinz brand was recommended also, but good luck trying to find one.

 

My main concern is quality and not blocking off any of the water passages with the new gasket. Anyone ever tried the Stone brand?

 

I have a P30 block by the way...

 

 

Rob

[siteunseen]

I dug out a used L24 head gasket, it's oval too.  I don't understand why? 

[redzedsled]

Nismo has just stated that 11044-E4620 is now NLA and Out of Production.

[Zed Head]

I've tried to logic out the issue of what the HG should fit and I came up with it should fit the head.  Because the coolant flows from the block up in to the head, and the head cooling is more important than block cooling, I believe.  Plus the fact that if there's no matching hole in the head, the hole in the HG doesn't matter anyway.  The head gasket is actually designed to control coolant flow, that's why the holes are not as large as the holes they match in the block and head.  As for bore size, you're really only looking at how deep the 1.25 mm gap will be at the head/block interface.  It's essentially dead space that probably fills up with carbon pretty quickly and has little effect on the combustion process.

 

Anyway, that's what my brain told me, based on information available.

[Casey_z]

There are a lot of options on E-Bay if you are so inclined.

[Zup]

I've used Stone head gaskets before with no problems.

 

MSA used to sell them for the L24--don't know if they still do.

 

 

Jim D.

"Zup"

[Zed Head]

Here's an option not mentioned often.  Oliver seems to know his stuff.  The page might be dated though.  2012.

 

http://www.datsunstore.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=head+gasket&x=0&y=0

[gnosez]

Cometics

http://www.shopengineparts.com/productdetails.aspx?emid=965&cid=24&pid=12349&vtype=Import+Auto&make=Nissan&model=L-Series+Inline+6&type=engine

$185.

I recommend them. Used in L24/L28/3.2L street and race engines without any issues.

[redzedsled]

Thanks to all who gave their valued opinions, I really appreciate it!

 

I managed to find a Nissan Head Gasket from a re-grind Kit. I believe it to be from a Datsun '77-'81 Datsun 810 or a very early '82-'84 Maxima.

 

It is stamped Nissan and "Stone" on the gasket itself. The slightly oval openings are just as my original gasket was at 85mm x 88.5mm designed for a 83mm piston.

 

I would have taken some pics but I had the engine builders awaiting the gasket to button everything up.

 

The mechanic placed the gasket on the block and it mated up perfectly.

 

Thanks to the Applewood Nissan boys in the parts department who outsourced the gasket, they just may have bailed me out!

 

My only concern is that the original gasket had different openings for the water passages at the bottom of the head.

 

There seems to be two types of head gaskets for the 240Z out there, one with numerous water passages, and the other with selective passages.

 

The engine rebuilders are going to call me in the morning with respect to any blocked passages as it was closing time when they called me with the fitment.

 

Does the fact that this type of gasket has fewer cooling passage holes (to match the head) effect the cooling of the block?

 

I have tried to research many other similiar message threads but come up empty as to the proper answer.