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  • heads interchange?

    hello everyone, New guy here from missouri with a quick question, I have scoured the internet and have not come up with a definitive answer to my problem.

    Here is my dilemma,

    I have a 2005 Chevy Equinox with an LNJ engine.
    I started having overheat issues a few weeks ago, but they were not typical
    The vehicle would get hot at idle (fans working correctly) but would cool back down when I either drove it, or if I revved it to around 2500 RPM in neutral.

    My first thought is that the thermostat was stuck partially closed. So I replaced it.
    of course that didn't fix it, Or I wouldn't be here.

    Took it home and made sure that I got all the air burped from the system, No air bubbles at bleeder at that time.

    So, I then thought I may have a problem with the waterpump, So I pulled it and inspected it, Had a little play so I went ahead and replaced it as preventative maintenance.

    Now, all signs are pointing to a blown head gasket. No oil in my coolant or coolant in my oil, However, If you drain the cooling system and run the car momentarily with open upper radiator hose, you can hear pressure entering the hose, and small gasoline.


    SOOOOO, I have a failed head gasket.

    Now on to my question.
    An LNJ head would pull a pretty penny locally, and I am concerned about having a possibly cracked head, Just trying to cover all bases before tearing it down.

    After doing research I have discovered the x family of engines are all pretty much the same with minor differences here and there.
    (I'm a diesel mechanic by trade, and have always sworn by japanese cars, So these Chevy pushrod engines are a little foreign to me)

    The local pick and pull has a TON of LA1 engines.

    Will a LA1 head fit on my LNJ if need be? Upon my research I have taken note of different rocker bolt sizes, but if I replaced the heads as a set off an
    LA1 would I have a problem?


    Like I said, Just trying to cover all bases, Your input in much appreciated!

  • #2
    I would recommend a 2003+ 3400 head. Just as long as any mounting bosses are the same. Where are you located ?

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    • #3
      Originally posted by unchained01 View Post
      I would recommend a 2003+ 3400 head. Just as long as any mounting bosses are the same. Where are you located ?

      Springfield, mo

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      • #4
        You could always grab the lower intake and you would be able to make it work for sure. I seem to recall those motors having heads more similar to the 3500.
        '89 Firebird, 3500 Turbo, T56, 9-bolt/4.11
        '86 Fiero, 3500, 4-speed

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        • #5
          I'm going to tear into them today, I'll post pictures of the heads and lower intake so you guys can compare.

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          • #6
            I would have your heads pressure checked. I'm willing to bet besides needing resurfaced they are fine. The iron head engines are the ones that like to crack. You rarely hear of the aluminum ones cracking.
            -60v6's 2nd Jon M.
            91 Black Lumina Z34-5 speed
            92 Black Lumina Z34 5 speed (getting there, slowly... follow the progress here)
            94 Red Ford Ranger 2WD-5 speed
            Originally posted by Jay Leno
            Tires are cheap clutches...

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            • #7
              I concur

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              • #8
                aluminum heads crack between the valve seats, and the spark plug to valve seat. I won't bother trying to come up with how rare or common it is. Just check.
                Ben
                60DegreeV6.com
                WOT-Tech.com

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                • #9
                  I do not know if they would work for you or not, but I have a set of rebuilt 2.8 FWD aluminum heads laying around collecting dust. They've not been used since rebuilding. They were sold to me as being suitable for my 2.8 RWD engine, and they are not. I'll sell the pair for $100 + shipping.

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