We aren't entirely sure why the freezeplugs pop out without a plate, but it's not exactly something we want to spend time/money doing R&D on. I've always run a plate and never had an issue. I suspect that if you got a freeze plug designed for aluminum and pressed it into place with the head off the car then you might have better luck, but that's outside the realm of what most DIYers are willing to do - this way all you need to do is throw a couple of zipties on the cam gears/timing belt, pop the cam gears off, tap the plug into place with a hammer, and bolt the plate in. Fairly easy, all things considered.

 

(flame suit on) Are things relating to the water neck and how it bolts to the head the same between the B6 and BP? Basically, I'm retarded, will this work with my 1.6

 

yes. and almost every other import out there.

 

on the topic of EGR Block off Plates
I am the second owner of my NB First owner was in japan
I have noticed that the EGR is gone and there are no block of plates i have been driving around like this for 6months since i bought the car

Is this a particularly bad thing?

 

Depends on what is/isn't blocked off. The lower (smaller) port actually just loops to the larger port, so a blockoff isn't strictly necessary, but we include one so nothing can get into that cavity. The upper port (where the valve itself attaches) definitely must be blocked off or you'll have a huge vacuum leak.

 

My NB (Jap import) has no EGR, yours is probably the same. I have seen a few Jap ones and they all seem to be like this, the Aussie delivered ones have it though.

 

Moved thread to race prep forum.