cylinder head choice

[buckspet]

Can anyone tell me if there is any reason to replace the cylinder head on my 79 2L engine, carb with a 2L FI head. Also is the FI exhaust manifold a better performance manifold than the 79's 4-2-1? Lastly what is a safe amount to mill from either of these cylinder heads?

[vandor]

The ports are the same in those two heads, so the only reason to replace would be cosmetic.
Likely the two exhaust manifolds are about the same, but I doubt anybody has done any actual testing.

Neither head should be milled at all. If you want to increase compression deck the block instead, or use high compression pistons. Most of the time the pistons are below the deck at TDC. They can stick out by 0.5mm (.020").

If you use a 1800 head it will increase compression to ~8.6:1 (from 8.1:1).

[bradartigue]

Read your other post...also those exhaust manifolds, the 79 4-2-1 and the FI 4-2-1 are essentially the same thing, you don't need the FI one so don't bother.

[fiatfactory]

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[bradartigue]

I'm inclined to agree - you keep asking the same thing - get it into your head that the design of these engines was to increase compression through pistons changes, not head work. FIAT sold HC pistons through dealerships for those who wanted to do this, it was just how it was done. And plenty of piston options exist even today.

[scampbel98]

The FI heads don't have air injection ports (cleaner) and don't have the EGR feedback path through the front of the head. Hence, you don't have as much to plug up or block on the installation. My 1980 already had that conversion done which meant NONE of the EGR/emissions stuff did anything and was "un-needed". I've got a 79 Lancia Beta head that is practically new that I'm itching to build with higher HP cams.

SoCal: I'd love to talk by phone with you about cams and heads and stuff sometime....

Soup

[buckspet]

Ok... I get it!!! I'll keep looking in my stash of stuff for my 1800 head, or buy one from this site If I see one for sale. I'm not against the piston swap, it's just that it is running fine. But It's quite slower than the 73 I had back in the day..sigh, So for now it's going to be a single plane manifold & 34ADF

[bradartigue]

Ok... I get it!!! I'll keep looking in my stash of stuff for my 1800 head, or buy one from this site If I see one for sale. I'm not against the piston swap, it's just that it is running fine. But It's quite slower than the 73 I had back in the day..sigh, So for now it's going to be a single plane manifold & 34ADF

The new manifold and carb will bring it back to life. The 79 had 81 HP. The 73 had nearly 100 HP. The 79 with an 1800 manifold and 34ADF will have more than 100HP - more torque than a 73 as well.

[fiatfactory]

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[buckspet]

Thanks steve will do.

[davery]

I think I read a while ago the 16v Lancia Integrale head will fit. Anyone know if that is true?

[131]

I think I read a while ago the 16v Lancia Integrale head will fit. Anyone know if that is true?

Yes they fit. But it's a lot more work than just bolting it up. Sourcing a good one with cams will be your first of many hurdles.