1.6 Hydro head on a mech block

[Dean Erickson]

I know this been gone over before but I can't find a compleat post on how to do this. I have a 1.6 hydro head that I want to put on a 1.6 mechanical block. ((((It's a 12 mm block)))) I know the extra drain hole in the head needs to be plugged but will it need to be resurfaced at the plugged hole? Do I use a mech head gasket or hydro head gasket. What about a bigger oil pump? Thanks

[theman53]

I currently have a hydro head that has mech valves on a mech. block. I would think to do this and keep the hydro lifters you would just plug the oil return up front and use the mech gasket. I don't know for sure as I am not pouring any thought into it, but I think that would be it. I don't know why anyone would want a hydro head, especially if you have a mech. block. I have always hated the hydros. can you not find a mech casting or what?

[Dean Erickson]

The head on my mech block is all worn out. I found a good deal on a hydro engine with a bad block. I would like to use the hydro head because it has almost no wear on the valve guides. So if I could make the swap it would be great.

[theman53]

I wouldn't want the noisy laggy hydro lifters...must be a great deal. You could have your head rebuilt for under 400, probably closer to 300.
I do think it is possible to swap, should be.

[Dean Erickson]

Yep I bought a a compleat engine for 125.00 It had a hole in the block.

[CRSMP5]

Head hole welded,  then surfaced.... Also need hydro oil pump... Bigger due to lifters...

[TimpanogosSlim]

It appears that there is also a water passage that doesn't quite line up between at least the aaz head and a mech block. It's been addressed before a couple times but i have to figure out how I'm gonna address it. I have some high temperature silicone about 1/16" thick and i also have online metals' copper sheet sampler pack.

[theman53]

I have a hydro head on my mech block. I had the hydro gasket on the last mech block. It is the extra oil passage that is next to the coolant passage. It needs to be plugged but not completely. Just plugged from the outside to the block area.

[TimpanogosSlim]

Head hole welded,  then surfaced.... Also need hydro oil pump... Bigger due to lifters...

oh, just noticed this.

I used the mcmaster 3/8" aluminum pipe plug option, and jb-weld as a thread sealant. this is an oil drain so there is no pressure. fingers crossed, should work fine.

Regardless, tapping the hole for the plug will cause surface deformation that requires surfacing.

in my case, the (prothe) head was so shop-worn that it needed surfacing anyway. I am guessing that this is because it changed hands 3 times before i handed it to a head expert at the machine shop to be built. prothe karma and all. But i am saving a mk1 coupe so my positive karma overcomes all.

[Kazuki]

How did you block the water jacket on the block ? I just installed a hydro head on mech block and tapped the hole then plugged it but she's leaking water  were I plugged it


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