Head Re-Surfacing / Gasket?

[1990e30coupe]

I can only locate one dimple on the 200 head as it is near the outside perimeter (circled in image below in red). This is a clear divot so I am hoping this is what was mentioned about still having this divot after shaving being a sign for not needing a thicker head gasket.

Is this what is being mentioned?

I am not trying to sound like a moron just trying to confirm, and also this is not my cylinder head just an image to show what im talking about.

[digger]

Received e-mail back from Patrick @ BMA parts and he only has VR for oversized; therefore, no luck in finding a thicker Goetze.

My bad, I found the quote and yeah it was a 1.75mm Goetze. I ended up using a 2.05mm oem probably for same reason

[1990e30coupe]

My bad, I found the quote and yeah it was a 1.75mm Goetze. I ended up using a 2.05mm oem probably for same reason

No problem it was worth a shot. Least I can say I have searched everywhere as it looks like I am going to have to go with a genuine one that is thicker like you have (2.05mm).

Bavarian Auto is not too bad I guess at basically $120.00, which just seems outrageous to me since I paid $30 for a standard goetze.

oh well, this is the BMW life but I still love her and she is worth every penny.

Thanks man.

[digger]

the BMW is very good quality and money well spent as they seal very well and last if the prep is right. its not like spending a few hundered bucks on ARP for a stock engine where you basically gain nothing from it

[1990e30coupe]

They shaved .008" off the head! Any ideas as far as needing a thicker gasket?

I still have a dimple that is as clear as day but I am not sure if this really means I don't need one or not.

What exactly can one use on the piston in order to check PTV clearance or how does one even go about this as I am not quite sure?

[digger]

They shaved .008" off the head! Any ideas as far as needing a thicker gasket?

I still have a dimple that is as clear as day but I am not sure if this really means I don't need one or not.

What exactly can one use on the piston in order to check PTV clearance or how does one even go about this as I am not quite sure?

if youre not worried about losing a bit of compression just run the thicker one and be done with it. if its not a performance build that what id do

alternatively buy a crappy elcheapo VR 1.75mm gasket for mock it up. check piston to head clearance and P to V. you can use clay on pistons and rotate cam over or make a tool to push the valve down by hand until it hits the piston, or use softer springs to help you be able to push by hand e.g a pair of inner m20b25 valve springs.

check
inlet side at TDC and 5*, 10*, 15* after TDC. Valve chases the piston down
exhaust side TDC and 5*, 10*, 15* before TDC, valve chases the piston to TDC

eta cam is a baby likely not an issue but sometimes assumptions are wrong especially if cam timing is not what you think

[1990e30coupe]

if youre not worried about losing a bit of compression just run the thicker one and be done with it. if its not a performance build that what id do

Your right I'm thinking too much on this and trying to save cash (which at this point doesn't matter), but the end result sought after is reliability; therefore, I will just eat the lost compression and buy the thicker Bmw gasket. As is, it shouldn't be a noticeable amount lost when hitting the peddle so I'm cool with it.

Thank you digger for all the info you have provided, it is people like you on here that makes me love being a part of this community and even more so an e30 nut.