X1/9 1500 Head
Posted: January 21st, 2014, 5:43 pm
Hi Guy and everyone,
First post on the forum so I thought I'd begin with a cylinder head I picked up from an internet auction site, which I know isn't really a reliable source but I will cut to the chase. I got it so I could get it modified whilst I continue to drive the car, but now as the car is off the road with a blown head gasket due to overheating (3rd time in a year) I am in two minds what to do as I would like to retain a standard head in case I want to switch it back over etc, the problem causing this dilemma follows.
The head I purchased off an internet auction site is in particularly bad condition (it only cost me £30) as there is lots of rust on the valve seats and valve guides, I originally wanted to have the guides changed and have new seats put in with 39mm valves which I hastily purchased given the opportunity but now am aware this may not be the wisest choice to maintain port velocity and therefore drive-ability at town speeds. This is for a hot street engine circa 140 bhp and as reliable as possible (whats your take on this guy?). Just seeking advice on what to do as I intend on fully rebuilding the car as it is riddled with rust etc, this re-build includes the engine, The car is a 1989 gran finale in mica blue with 80k miles on it. I suspect the current head is warped now from its overheating fests and the block may need decking also as part of the rebuild.
thank you
Phil
First post on the forum so I thought I'd begin with a cylinder head I picked up from an internet auction site, which I know isn't really a reliable source but I will cut to the chase. I got it so I could get it modified whilst I continue to drive the car, but now as the car is off the road with a blown head gasket due to overheating (3rd time in a year) I am in two minds what to do as I would like to retain a standard head in case I want to switch it back over etc, the problem causing this dilemma follows.
The head I purchased off an internet auction site is in particularly bad condition (it only cost me £30) as there is lots of rust on the valve seats and valve guides, I originally wanted to have the guides changed and have new seats put in with 39mm valves which I hastily purchased given the opportunity but now am aware this may not be the wisest choice to maintain port velocity and therefore drive-ability at town speeds. This is for a hot street engine circa 140 bhp and as reliable as possible (whats your take on this guy?). Just seeking advice on what to do as I intend on fully rebuilding the car as it is riddled with rust etc, this re-build includes the engine, The car is a 1989 gran finale in mica blue with 80k miles on it. I suspect the current head is warped now from its overheating fests and the block may need decking also as part of the rebuild.
thank you
Phil