1800 block with 2000 head

[MrToon]

My car came with a 1800 Lancia block, but 2000 cylinder head and pistons (with valve clearance). Does anyone know if it's possible to use this combination without losing too much compression? If so, should I get the head resurfaced and thus gain some more compression?

Thought of this only now when I'm ready to put it all back together, so hopefully someone comes to the rescue

[AndyVAS]

It won't be much worse than a normal 1800 or 2000. You can do all the math for static compression pretty easy and the volumes of all the parts are out there with some searching. Rough guess off the top of my head, you will be 7.7-7.8:1. Should be able to run some truly cheap fuel.

[davidbruce]

I have read that the Fiat heads are thin at the block mating surface. And that you should only remove enough material to make a warped one flat. Don't remember the source but the recommendation was to deck the block not the head. Worth investigating.

[narfire]

I believe the 2L FI head is better than the 2L carb'd head. You can shave 10 thou off without problems ...if it hasn't been shaved before. I was told once when you are approaching 20 thou off ( max), you will have issues with the valve seats.

[kmead]

Shaving the head with normal pistons won't get you far and will just compromise the system if you need to service the head in the future.

Either go with the HC pistons or assemble as is.