Someone mentioned to me that you can use Disco 1 metal gaskets so it will never leak +rtv around where coolant flows

or should I just stick with the kit AB has?

Also head bolts... what is everyone using?

FYI I've never done head gaskets before so any tips would be great. I'm following the RAVE plus common sense but I don't want to miss anytihng

 

"NOPE" they are wrong.
The best combination would be German made gaskets and studs instead of stretch bolts. This is not the cheapest way but the best combination.

 

So these gaskets? Discovery II Head Gasket Set (Same As Genuine Part # STC4082): Land Rover Discovery Engine Parts

And are the normal head bolts (Land Rover Head Bolt Kit (Same fit as Part # ERR2943) Fits Discovery, Range Rover & Defender Vehicles) not sufficient?

 

Could someone provide a link for the ARP studs? I can't seem to find them anywhere

 

ARP part number is 157-4301. This is a new part number. This kit is designed for the Rover Engine. The older numbers were designed for the 14 bolt Buick engine.

ARP | 157-4301+ Product Releases
Summit and Jegs both carry them. You can search for others. I have seen them below $200 before.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-157-4301
ARP 157-4301 ARP Head Studs w/12-Point Nuts

 

I bought the German Victor Reinz gasket set, $118 from autohausaz.com. Bolts I got elsewhere. Gasket certainly matches oem holes. I think Trevor at Rovah Farm has the low price on the gasket set at $89, Elring(?).

I found out today that my set did not include the locking tabs for the exhaust bolts, which get trashed on removal sometimes.

Also, if buying a swanky digital torque wrench, be sure it goes low enough. The 1/2 inch one I bought only goes as low as 29.5 ft pounds. You preset the head bolts to 15 pounds, then 90 degrees twice. You'll need a good breaker bar and some short extensions. The back bolts reveal the military design that influnces Rovers, by Major Payne Diass.

 

Car quest has great German made gaskets also.

 

Thank you for the input. I'll let you know if it goes well.

 

And you had me going on the Major Payne until I read it aloud. Good stuff XD

 

If you just want a normal gasket set with stretch bolts, British Parts of Utah has the best price.
Make sure that what ever you do apply some head bolt thread lube on all the head bolts/studs.