Mk2 GTD headgasket questions (have searched :))

[wil892]

Hi
I just bought a really nice 1991 Golf mk2 factory GTD. Its fitted with the SB engine and has the top mount intercooler. I noticed it is weeping slightly from the main drain hole at the front of the head so i'm going to replace the head gasket.
I've just been abusing the search function to find that I will be using a metal 1.9td head gasket. However I couldent find the answer to my one question about this.

Are there any drawbacks to using this metal one, i will be using a Genuine one however will it reduce compression or anything? (The car has a 3 notch on at the moment but I will be measuring the protrusion before I buy a new one).

I'm pretty sure i'm just going to use genuine standard bolts, are these okay with the metal gasket, or do i need to use the 1.9 ones. I will eventually slightly play with the boost and fuel however it really won't be anything dramatic, just to make it a slight bit more powerful for when I have 5 people in the car, especially in Devon as we have lots of hills, I'm thinking £120 for ARPs just isnt worth it for what I will be doing.

Also having done a few head gaskets on my fiat I know that i may possibly need to skim the head. Is this neccessary or possibel on the GTD as the head is not really blown its just weeping from old age.

Some of you might remember I tryed to do a conversion on my other golf but ran into a few problems, i.e. metal in the sump so gave up on that, its so nice to finally have the GTD, they are wicked fun and I cannot believe the fuel mileage compared to my petrol 1.6 mk2.

anyway, any help would be great
thanks
Will

[wil892]

Thanks andrew that really helpful, has cleared everything up.

I've just bought some Febi-Bilstein head bolts as they are soo much cheaper than genuine. They are made in germany. Has anyone had experience with these headbolts?

[TurboJ]

Anything with Febi-Bilstein label on it is a safe bet.
They are a very reputed German manufacturer, who actually make many of VW's own OE parts.

[rabbitman]

I've got 45,000 miles on Febi head bolts and no problems.

[wil892]

thanks a lot.

Does anyone have a good way of cleaning the surface of the block up. I won't be doing this job until April or May just want to make sure I have all the right parts and tools before I start as I wont be able to go to the parts shop without a cylinder head!

[Rabbit on Roids]

ive always used either a wire brush, sanding block, or ive used a grinder with a special abrasive wheel thats soft, so it doesnt harm the deck. razor blades also make pretty good gasket scrapers. that should clean your block up nice.