Rebuilding top end. Which gaskets?

[Jenya]

Hello,

I just took my top end apart last night to install new piston rings.
It is the first time I take an engine apart, so I would like to use it as an opportunity to learn about inspecting/reconditioning an engine.

Looking ahead, I wonder whether I should buy individual gaskets from somewhere like bikebandit or buy the whole set either from ebay or from PartsNMore. PartsNMore has the set for $63.

I am sure I will be asking more questions as the rebuild progresses.
Jenya

[5thAve]

piston rings require removing the cylinder head, and barrels. You will need the head gasket and the base gasket.  Factory-style gaskets are metal, but covered in some melty gooey crap. I don't think they're reusable. someone please correct me if I'm wrong. It is possible to get a nice copper gasket made. This would be reusable.

Just opened mine up yesterday. No trouble at all.

Good luck.

[Jenya]

What I was asking is not whether I can reuse old gaskets - there is no way I'd want to, but whether I should buy OEM gaskets from microfiches at bikebandit or a complete gasket set from PartsNMore.

[5thAve]

I just ordered the complete set from Partsnmore. It is high quality and very complete. If you're not replacing all the valve guides and o rings and bits and pieces, it is definitely more than you need, but the price is good (what are the 2 gaskets worth from BBandit? The whole kit from PnM?) I have to say that PnM was GREAT service and got it to me quickly -- and NO ADDED SHIPPING CHARGE TO CANADA!  Woo hoo!   

I used to work at a Suzuki parts counter, and the kit that PnM sent me is of equal quality to OEM. Looks pretty much the same, darn it.

I also got two sets of carb gaskets for the float bowls, as one of mine is torn. Again, a high quality replacement item and a low price.

Two thumbs up for Partsnmore.