Difference in Head Gasket 2002 vs 2003

[White_2002.5]

I'm new here, hope i am writing this in the correct place. I just recently purchased a White P5 I which I think is a 2002.5 Protege5, Mfg Date 06/2002

It needed a clutch and Power Steering Hose and Pump. Once I fixed all of that and had it running it definately warmed up quicker than i would have expected and then started overheating (I didnt let it get too hot) I found that it is blowing exhaust into the cooling system even before warmed up it bubbles into the overflow. And will misfire on CYL2 if it sits a couple of days, double checked by replacing plugs and swapping the coils to eliminate ignition issues.
I noticed the stock head gasket is listed for a 99 to 2002. There is one listed for only 2003 which is almost half the price? Does anyone know the differences? and which one is the correct one. I was checking at www.mazda-parts.com
Thanks In Advance.

I searched the forum and looked at 40+ Pages of results and didnt find the answer to this.

 

[MaxPower]

Is it the original engine? If so, you can give the VIN# to a dealer and they will figure out which gasket you need. I recommend calling and buying from onlinemazdaparts.com--a supporter of this forum.

 

[White_2002.5]

Yes it is an original engine. I thought the 2002 and 2003 engines were identical. www.onlinemazdaparts.com sounds great to me. Thanks.
Sorry for the slow reply. I thought I would get a notification when someone posted to this subject. I see that I didnt set that up though.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

OMP lists a different HG for 02 and 03 also, so it probably is different. Like the above poster said, I would call them (Ask for Jason) and double check, then order from them. They're the best.

 

[White_2002.5]

I called and they said it is the same part number for 2002 and 2003. Of course it is Saturday so the right person wasn't there. I sent an email and will follow-up with a call on Monday.
Thanks