Head Swap, help please

[gsEnterpries]

I was wondering if I can swap 85-89 2.8L large valve heads onto a 83 2.8l
Thanx

[BMC]

If you mean an iron head 85-89 onto an engine of the same, I believe the direct answer would be- yes.

-BMC.

[geoffinbc]

Yes you can and there is nothing special you need to do. If you want the full benefits of the swap I suggest you gasket match the ports in the heads and intake.

[gsEnterpries]

I have another question. Can I swap aluminium heads onto an 83 2.8l and info on how to do it the right way would be great. The 2.8l I have is carbed and I would like to keep it that way. I have an Edelbrock Torker II intake on it now, would that intake cause any pushrod clearance problems because of the splayed valve positions.
I can get the heads for free from work, we have about three sets form different years if that even matters. Thanx for the help, if you can't tell I am new to 60 degree tuning world

-Gary

[bszopi]

There are no carb manifolds that work with the aluminum heads. If you want to go with aluminum heads, you either need to go with EFI, or you need to custom fab an intake.

[gsEnterpries]

Thanks for the info so I guess I'll just go with the larger valve iron heads instead.

[gsEnterpries]

Just wondering way the aluminium heads won't work with a carb manifold?

[gsEnterpries]

I also would like to know if anybody has made aor can make a custom manifold for aluminium heads w/ carb

[bszopi]

The port locations between the iron head and aluminum head engines are completely different, therefore the iron head intake port will not line up with the aluminum head ports.

Iron Heads:


Aluminum Heads:

[geoffinbc]

Yup its a no go.

I have been contemplating fabbing up a manifold for carb/tbi use on aluminum heads. However I have to get some cores and see what I can come up with first.

[gsEnterpries]

Okay then, thats as clear as day about that swap. Thank you for showing me why. I just wanted to know because I'm like that, Having to see why stuff does work together. Well "betterthanyou" if you do decide to fab one up someday let me know I'll be glad to try it out.
-Gary