Merkin

there is 4 water passages next to each cylinder, why the head gasket does not have flow holes for them? looks there is 8 open water ports for 18 on the block/head. looks like all 10v gaskets are this way
<img src="https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/054103383G.jpg">


now this 8v gasket has ports for every water path on the block/head.
<img src="https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/048103383.jpg">

this 3B/AAN gasket set also shows every water port has a hole
<img src="https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/034198012M.jpg">

cuatrokoop

The extra flow was deemed unnecessary by Audi for certain engines...

Merkin

so it would be a "upgrade" to run 20vt gasket with all holes open?

squidix9

The flow is metered by the holes, and the rest of the passages in the flow system, and the thermostat. By causing the flow to move through the block/head faster, it MAY cause it to actually run hotter. The heat needs enought time to transfer to the coolant, so if you make the flow faster, it may not transfer heat as well.

It's like the problem you get when you pull the thermosat. Everyone thinks that by pulling the T-stat an engine will run cooler, because there is more flow. That MAY be true, but depending on all the other factors, it may actually cause the engine to run hotter.

If your engine isn't running too hot, keep the existing headgasket.

If it's running a bit hot, see what you can do to increase air to the rad(s). Also look at your coolant, running a mix is actually less effective than running straight DI water(with WaterWetter of course). You can also run a bit of WaterWetter with your mix, and it will help it out also.

I also tell the local guys to ditch the megawatt amps and subs. You can be hauling around an couple hundred extra pounds easily, and that big 'ol battery cable they're running to the amp's draw's a heck of a lot of juice(is there to handle the juice drawn by the amp's), which put's a huge drain on the motor.

ramble ramble ramble