1608 head on a 2L

[So Cal Mark]

This question seems to get asked on a semi-regular basis; will a 1608 head fit an 1800 or 2L? The answer has always been that there is an issue with the front water port matching properly.
I got a car in to do some engine work on, and upon removing the cylinder head I discovered that someone had performed this exact swap. I took pictures of the issues; the front water jacket in the head is large enough that it protrudes over the fire ring on the head gasket and the front water jacket on the exhaust side is also right up to the edge of the fire ring on the gasket.
Even though this head swap will result in a nice compression increase due to the smaller combustion chamber, the head will need a fair amount of welding to be compatible.

[amawds]

While obviously a bad idea, did this particular install actually cause issues, or did the guy get lucky? Interesting to see that that's the only tolerance issue with such a big difference in intended engine sizes.

[So Cal Mark]

this owner had just purchased the car, and while the head gasket wasn't leaking yet it wouldn't have lasted very much longer

[bradartigue]

While obviously a bad idea, did this particular install actually cause issues, or did the guy get lucky? Interesting to see that that's the only tolerance issue with such a big difference in intended engine sizes.

More of a stroke difference through the years, the piston bore size changed but not by the same margin. This is why the heads interchange in the 125/132 series so well, the pistons are all the same size, the blocks just got taller.

[amawds]

More of a stroke difference through the years, the piston bore size changed but not by the same margin. This is why the heads interchange in the 125/132 series so well, the pistons are all the same size, the blocks just got taller.[/quote]

I've read about that. Good part of the reason people prefer the smaller engines, they rev! I actually have a 1608 rusty bare block that I've considered sending to the machinist eventually and building...

[djape1977]

best revving engine is later model 1585cc twincam with 84mm bore and 68mm travel
best compromise is 1756cc with 84mm bore and 79mm travel.
i find 2l a bit lazy

[v6spider]

They obviously didn't pay any attention to the way the heat gasket was lining up on the head.. If they had test fitted the gasket on the head.. They would have seen the issue..

Rob

[70spider]

The PO put a 1608 head on the 1438, is this an acceptable swap?

[bradartigue]

The PO put a 1608 head on the 1438, is this an acceptable swap?

Yes unless it is very early 1438 block, then you have a water port (on the head) and no port on the block. You'd know, it would blow the head gasket. This is a very good upgrade, unlike the later head swaps the 1438 head and manifold have pretty small ports, too small. The 1608 is something like 30% larger in port size (manifold and head) while maintaining the same basic combustion chamber. Lets the thing breathe in enough air to haul ass.