TR2/3/3A head gasket

[sp53]

Does anyone know if I can put an older 83mm head gasket on anewer 87mm set up?

 

[TR3driver]

Sure, you can do it. However, it may not last very long. If it is really an 83mm gasket, then part of the gasket will hang out inside the combustion chamber.

It's worth checking the gasket on the engine, though. I don't think anyone has actually made 83mm gaskets since the 60s; as the 87mm gasket works just fine with the smaller liners and tooling setups are really expensive. I've been using "TR3" gaskets with 87mm liners since about 1975 and they've all been large enough.

 

[sp53]

Thanks Randall I was looking at an NOS one eBay and itsounds like an old one with the 83mm. I probably will have to contact theseller.

 

[TomMull]

As I recall, those very old gaskets were usually clearly marked with the part number. Tom

 

[Geo Hahn]

Also -- I'm thinking the early/original ones were handed (unlike the current ones that have two holes for the oil passage to the rockers so they can go on either way).

 

[TomMull]

Also -- I'm thinking the early/original ones were handed (unlike the current ones that have two holes for the oil passage to the rockers so they can go on either way).

You're right, George, and clearly marked "top" and "front". However, as I think about it, the bottom line is that there is probably no advantage in using a NOS head gasket, maybe even not as good as a current reproduction.
Tom