I have just completed a 3000 mile round trip to France and all over the shop and the headgasket seems good still. However a mechanic friend of mine (rover Trained) has suggested that the head gasket should be replaced with the new upgraded one on the basis that to replace it before it goes will be less hassle.

I would appricate your comments and where do i get the upgrded head gasket from?????? plus will it fit my car a 1992/93 SLi 16V with the metal inlets etc.

And finally is it a hard job to DIY (inc. cambelt)
Cheers.

Personally I think your friend is talking out of his

If you're not having any problems, then leave well alone. The most important thing to do is to keep a REGULAR (as in weekly and ideally every couple of days) check on the water level in the coolant header tank.

As long as that remains stable i.e. no sudden topping up needed, then you're OK.

As SOON as you start loosing water, even a bit - STOP and find out why. Don't wait till tomorrow, the weekend, next week. You will end up cooking the engine that way!!

Pretty much as said above. If it isn't broken then don't fix it.
I think my 214 had 120k miles on the clock when I sold it. The headgasket is more reliable on the R8's than the later bubbles.

If it goes then fit the new uprated landrover gasket and shim. Until then enjoy the car and keep an eye on the coolant levels

I had mine changed recently after noticing oil sludge gradually building up in the expansion tank.
I used the Land Rover multi shim gasket since this should sort most head gasket problems, especially on the smaller 1400cc engine which produces much less horsepower and torque than the 1600 and 1800cc versions.
Also is your 214 SPi or MPi? The earlier SPi engines were better since Rover did not cheapen them unlike the revised SPi cars with the plastic inlet manifold.I'd say it might be the SPi version, which lasts forever if looked after.
At the same time as changing the gasket, I'd have the cambelt, water pump, thermostat and cambelt tensioner changed too, along with the fan belt. With the new LR gasket it should last a very long time....