95 850 NA Head Gasket Kit vs Genuine Volvo

Scarltbgonias · Post by **Scarltbgonias** » 26 Nov 2023, 05:38

Hey guys,

I’m gearing up to replace the head gasket on my ‘95 850 NA. It’ll be my first time doing a head on this car, and i’m wondering about choice of gaskets. The Reinz and Elring kits sound mighty appealing and easy but i’m hearing mixed reviews.
Thoughts on using these?

Or would it be worth buying the kit and supplementing a few of the more important gaskets w/ genuine volvo?

Also, if anyone could steer me in the direction of a genuine volvo head gasket that’d be great! The usual suspects FCP, ipd etc dont seem to have them.

Thanks!

Post by **misha** » 26 Nov 2023, 06:57

I would use Victor Reinz set.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 26 Nov 2023, 08:53

If you want to use the Volvo gasket, here is one place where you can get it:
https://volvo.oempartsonline.com/oem-pa ... et-3531017
Based on the fitment, it looks like it covers the 1995 Base and GLT models.

For your reference, it's volvo part number 3531017.

Roger

Post by **foggydogg** » 26 Nov 2023, 10:00

What Misha said. I've always thought of Victor-Reinz as OEM; I'm not convinced Volvo makes head gaskets.
Same for headbolts, and cam cover sealant (if it doesn't come in the kit), Reintz, Elring, or Permatex work.
Dig through this forum for ruminations on this issue from Dr. Abscate, he's done some round trips on his Fleet for valve work (we will not mention the part about doing the same car twice.)
Here is a recent thread on the subject:
viewtopic.php?t=102390&start=10
If you would really prefer the Blue Box part. I like these folks:
https://www.volvopartscounter.com/oem-p ... et-3531017
They may have valve stem seals in stock, some folks swear by Volvo-only for that bit. Might be slightly less of an issue for N/A motors.
As you no doubt have already discovered, the kit from FCP is likely the most budget friendly.
Welcome to our little therapy group.

Scarltbgonias · Post by **Scarltbgonias** » 27 Nov 2023, 18:00

Thank you guys for the info and welcome! Im leaning towards the reinz set and genuine volvo valve stem seals.
Gonna be tearing it down in the next few days, hopefully no more questions are needed

Post by **abscate** » 27 Nov 2023, 18:22

I’ve used Corteco head gaskets on the last three I’ve done. It’s a good head gasket

The Elring gasket set from FCP is good.

OE Volvo only forvalve stem seAls. Order them as a set part number and the cost 1/2 as much as buying individuals