13-08-2013, 10:00 AM
Just FYI.. My mum has a 214 bubble, which has had 3 headgaskets and is now being scrapped as it needs a 4th. Do NOT skimp on cooling system bits on this car. Make sure all coolant sensors are right, and that the thermostat has been replaced recently. They have a habit of sticking closed and cooking the thing which you won't even know about as the temp gauge won't show you! That's what happened this time with mums.
If its using coolant, and there's a puff of smoke on start up - I'm sorry to tell you it WILL be the HG. Not a difficult job to change on one of these, just ensure you fit the newest freelander gasket and have the head skimmed.
In terms of power, you may get near a GTI6, but... The handling is and always will be pretty poor. I used to have an older square shape 216 gti with every foreseeable suspension mod and it was only "ok".
That said, I've always liked these and they do make a great noise... But shoulda got a BRM
JP
If its using coolant, and there's a puff of smoke on start up - I'm sorry to tell you it WILL be the HG. Not a difficult job to change on one of these, just ensure you fit the newest freelander gasket and have the head skimmed.
In terms of power, you may get near a GTI6, but... The handling is and always will be pretty poor. I used to have an older square shape 216 gti with every foreseeable suspension mod and it was only "ok".
That said, I've always liked these and they do make a great noise... But shoulda got a BRM
JP
JP