[urq] HELP ! - Will a MC replace a WX head? and a few otherquestions...

[urq]

... MC and WX are different animals ... I'm pretty sure that you'd even need 
to make adjustments for coolant or oil passage differences between the two. 
Solid vs. Hydraulic lifters means the cams won't go straight across either. 
If you are considering an MC engine get the bottom end as well as the head 
... may be a bit simpler with less unknowns ...

In my urq ownership prior to joining the quattro list I had similar issues 
with the head on my '83.  My BiL worked for a FLAPS, and he set me up with a 
machine shop which had experience with machining away the cracks and 
building up new material ... they said some Chevy motors suffer similar 
issues.  Anyway, the head held up just fine for many years after that 
treatment ... if you're in urgent need I'd suggest that you investigate that 
option ...

Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)


>I have a good source for a MC head with no cracks as my WX head has bad 
>cracks about 1.5 inches into the intake and exhaust section of the head. I 
>have had a couple of people tell me that the MC head is good replacement, 
>and that I only have to spot weld i think one section of an oil port to 
>make it work?
>
> Can anyone confirm or deny if this is a good solution? I plan to have the 
> head rebuilt etc, with a few upgraded parts for longevity etc, but some 
> questions for me come to mind...
>
> 1 - MC = Hydrlick lifters vs solid? the head shop says not a big deal, 
> just the different way they are oiled.
> 2- can I use my camshaft from my WX in the MC since there is no CAM in it? 
> (my WX is stock - cam)
> 3- I assume that the intake and exhause manifolds will match up? Is there 
> anything like sensors that I will lose or need to replace?
> 4 - will my the Rotor assemble fit back in from my WX? I assume the timing 
> etc is all the same with the same gears to mesh?
> 5 - Also my block does not have the timing belt tensioner vs the MC does, 
> however AI dont think this is an issue either?
> 6 - Am I missing anything else? I'm sure I am...
>
> I also have a line on a KH head, but I have to buy the whole block and 
> dont know the condition of the head...I heard the KH is a better ported 
> head? etc? But I dont really want a whole block...