Vx gaskets

[Dynomax]

I've had a bit of a disaster which has resulted in the cam belt failing. Fortunately this has happened at starter motor speed so I'm hoping that damage is restricted to 2 bent inlet valves.
This was shown when a friend had a look with a borescope.
I'm trying to get things together before I get it completely dismantled so have a question about gaskets.
Is the inlet manifold gasket unique to the VX and also is it possible to remove the compressor from the manifold before I lift the head.
I think I've sourced a headgasket and inlet valves so it's the other associated gaskets I'll be needing which I presume are standard Lancia/Fiat gaskets.
Any information or guidance is really appreciated if someone has experience of dismantling the VX head with the engine in place.
TIA Max

[rossocorsa]

Unfortunately I can't remember for sure but I'm fairly confident that you can remove the carb/blower with the engine still in the car. Your easiest option regarding gaskets might be to buy a complete VX gasket set assuming that they are still available, I don't remember off the top of my head which gaskets are unique to the VX. I think you could probably leave the inlet manifold in place when you take the head off but it may need to come off if you are getting the head fully refurbished. Apologies that I can't be much more help, I did rebuild my own engine but I don't remember a lot of the steps all that well now. If you think you are going to get more into it than just the head I'd consider dropping the whole subframe out.

[SanRemo78]

I'm pretty sure I managed to remove one back in the day but it was a right faff on the car. There's a couple of big bolts securing the blower to the mounting bracket that aren't too difficult to get to and three nuts on top of the inlet manifold between the head and the top of the blower. It's the corresponding three underneath the manifold that are a right pig to get at. I suspect it's easier to get at the five (?) nuts that hold the inlet manifold to the head, release them and the bolts holding the blower to the support bracket and remove that assembly in one go. When you're working on this lot bung clean rags into any hole that leads to the blower rotors! If you're separating the blower from the manifold take the opportunity to inspect the lobes for wear and consider a full rebuild?

[WestonE]

The VX inlet manifold gasket is unique to a VX and of course the Head gaskets were uprated by FL to heat cure Astradur brown resin material as were Strada Abarth head gaskets. Read the threads on changing Head gaskets for better items and do NOT re-use the existing head bolts or fail to clean the threads in the block with a thread tap. I use 10mm studs offered for Integrale head gasket repairs. You can also get the far superior Cometic MLS Head gasket. Ask Darren Cooksey at Montecarlo Servicing and Repair.