Request - Does this head look okay? Turbo Engine
Turbo Mini Forums

Quick background - I bought this car back in August 2010 already built and turbo'd. I dont think it has done more than 1000 miles since the engine was built and with me driving it a weekend here and there.

As its lockdown, I fancied pulling the engine out for a few changes - namely changing the diff, RTS clutch and GT1752.

It's been a couple of decades since I last took apart an A-series turbo engine.

The head and pistons were pretty coked up - more so than I would expect. Also, looks like a cheapo head gasket was used. When I've tried to clean up the head valves - I can see discolouration - something I dont think I ever had on my previous engine (running 17psi etc).

Does this look ok? Or is this indictaive of overheating or something?

When I removed the head - note the imprint of the head gasket


Half the head cleaned


Bottom of valves



Block - again, you can see the head gasket stuck to the block

Head looks fine, but always remove the valves and have the valve seats reground. Also have it skimmed. Basicially, take it to someone that knows what they're doing, and have it checked. They're all rubbish after 20k miles.