Got a built 2004 MSM motor. Just had head done now I need to order HG. Car will mostly see street duty 300-350 WHP with help of EFR.

1) Stock 2004 HG MSM gasket no reroute
2) Stock 2004 MSM HG with reroute
3) 94-97 HG with reroute
4) something I have not thought of

 

94-00 gasket with re-route will be most effective
but on street car you can even get away with the OE 01+ gasket depending on rest of the cooling system

 

94-00 HG with reroute

 

pre VVT headgasket with reroute has worked for everyone for years

I don't have the link handy, but there is some cadillac based coolant hose you can use for the reroute that will save you a lot of the hassle I went through.

 

Gates #22436 hose or a Dayco #E72380 @ RevLimiter

 

Thanks.
Part # is BP26-10-271
for future searchers.
$65.17 from Rosenthal Arlington Mazda Parts Store

GASKET,CYL. HEAD (BP26-10-271) - $65.17 - BP2610271

 

@shuiend what are the ebay ones you like. MLS?

 

I just ordered 3 of these. They should be in Thursday. I have been running ebay MLS HG on miata's since 2010. Never once have I had an issue with them. I always do 94-00 gaskets with reroutes on all the motors I put together.

 

With reroute what is the best HG for 2003 VVT engine??

 

are you dense?

 

The 94-00 gasket with a reroute is the desirable combination for every single 94-05 Miata engine. VVT, MSM, everything.

 

01-05 HG

 

but what about the 2002?

 

I find the composite 1.6 HG to be the best for the 2003 VVT engines. The smaller displacement means it is lighter which is win-win in my back.

 

Makes it rev faster too.

 

I really was not trying to open this can of worms (again).

$25 ebay head gaskets....hmmm I'm thinking I'm going crazy and getting the $60 Mazda ones call me BALLER!


But rest assured that every other Miata build (that I dont have $$$ in the block) will be getting some ebay gaskets from now on.

 

I only use eBay head gaskets. I go OEM from Rosenthal for every other gasket on the car. Over the years I have noticed a distinct difference in how OEM verse all others hold up. I'll gladly pay slightly more and wait 2 days to get them.

 

Bah. Permatex ultra gray.

--Ian

 

Would like to see picture of win-win in your back