Hello, so i'm building an NA S4 trying to see all my different options of front cover gasket. Atkins sent me the incorrect big hole gasket and was wondering if I can use a metal gasket(If so which one)? would this be superior to the paper gasket or no gasket and just RTV. I'm nervous about leaks.

Thanks!

 

yes you can use a metal gasket but the only one that will work is the MSP renesis cover gasket, which has to be modified.

 

Doesn't the cosmo N390 gasket also work?

 

yes. I used one on my last engine. so far, no leak, but there's not many miles on it yet. my only leak thus far is the drain plug.

 

So the cosmo and the MSP metal gasket will work? Will the cosmo gasket require cutting/modding as well? Also with the metal gasket will it allow enough crush to the front cover O ring for oil pressure? Anyone regretting using just RTV?

 

the metal gaskets are actually meant to be used without the o ring, the 95+ engines just use the N390 gasket and no o ring at all.

so there are 4 gaskets.

the 12A style, N2Y0, which is what is listed for 1968-1988 cars, although if you order an S4 gasket set, it comes with the other gasket because, the gasket doesn't seal the oring, or hold it in.

the FC style, N326. S5 and JC cosmo use this one, big hole to accommodate the plastic ring is the only difference from the N2Y0

the FD gasket, the US part is paper, N3A1, same as the N326, but it has another bolt hole on the front cover.

the 95+ JDM FD gasket, N390, same as the N3A1, except its metal, they delete the O ring, so the hole in the gasket is 12A size.

the Rx8, its like the N390, but it adds the water pump housing gasket, as the Rx8 the front cover and water pump are 1 piece.