Source for a cylinder head

[AC439]

I have not used them before. Its just a place within my driving distance. The lower review rating is what concerns me.

I just posted my warmed engine compress test result in other thread and I'm leaning more towards head problem. But I will have to do a leak-down test to confirm. After I get all these data, I will then visit a local head shop and see what they say.

[InAccordance]

Cams are different. Carb is a bit more aggressive but just slightly. The difference isn't really worth swapping for.

[Jacques]

Cams are different. Carb is a bit more aggressive but just slightly. The difference isn't really worth swapping for.

I would not want a different cam. If I went with a rebuilt head, my concern is that I might end up with a different cam.

Another question. One shop guy told me he thinks that the A20 A3 head bolts are not reusable. Anyone know about that? I can't find anything that states that.

[InAccordance]

The difference is so minor you wouldn't even notice.

I've heard that too about the head bolts but then I've also reused them before without issue.
If you're worried about it and have 200 bucks to spend, get arp head studs.

[Jacques]

The difference is so minor you wouldn't even notice.

I've heard that too about the head bolts but then I've also reused them before without issue.
If you're worried about it and have 200 bucks to spend, get arp head studs.

Thanks man. I think I will just let the shop take my head to a head shop he trust. The dude is supposed to be a super duper mechanic. He does performance work.
He told me maybe can't get those head bolts anymore, if so he said folks are using ARP's for some Mazda engine if he can't find any.
I could not find anything about replacing head bolts in any manuals, but I have to trust he knows better than me.
Thanks again.

[InAccordance]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...BoC_S4QAvD_BwE

It's these. Actually cheaper than I remember so... BONUS

Like I said though, I've reused the head bolts before and didn't have any issues from it so who knows... probably just one of those old wives tales.

[AC439]

I remember the head bolts have been discussed before and ours are non-stretch type so can be reused. I have done head gasket twice and have reused bolts and no problems.

[Jacques]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...BoC_S4QAvD_BwE

It's these. Actually cheaper than I remember so... BONUS

Like I said though, I've reused the head bolts before and didn't have any issues from it so who knows... probably just one of those old wives tales.

Thanks again!

I remember the head bolts have been discussed before and ours are non-stretch type so can be reused. I have done head gasket twice and have reused bolts and no problems.

Much thanks! I'll discus that with the mechanic. The head has never been removed and it has 338,500 miles on it!

[Dr_Snooz]

He's thinking of the torque to yield head bolts, which came on engines later than ours. Your head bolts are safe to re-use unless obviously damaged in some way.

[Jacques]

He's thinking of the torque to yield head bolts, which came on engines later than ours. Your head bolts are safe to re-use unless obviously damaged in some way.

Thanks Snooz! I'll talk to the shop about that. I really appreciate the information. Here is my "old" beast!

[InAccordance]

burgundy bros /highfive

[Dr_Snooz]

I remember you. Long time no see. Is that the torpedo tube I see on the front of your car? LOL

[Jacques]

I remember you. Long time no see. Is that the torpedo tube I see on the front of your car? LOL

Ah, you have a good eye! That feeds into the factory air box.
The car has never been in a garage all its life. Took a lot of years to develop that patina! Anymore I pretty much only use it for autocross fun a some short drives anymore.

Going off topic, here is some in car autocross footy from last year. https://youtu.be/P-1a8asSu5w

[Jacques]

burgundy bros /highfive

Ha ha, but nobody got the patina like mine!

[InAccordance]

challenge accepted..

[Jacques]

challenge accepted..

Let us see it!
I hope I don't get busted for going off topic. This site has very good information.

Here is my old 'walk around' https://youtu.be/cvw_xwG189g
BTW, I went back to the factory air box so the intake tube has direct connection with no leaks. I tried that one you see. I no like!

[InAccordance]

I'll post em when I get home. Everytime I try to do it on the phone, pics end up sideways or gigantic.

[Jacques]

I'll post em when I get home. Everytime I try to do it on the phone, pics end up sideways or gigantic.

Can't wait! But I can. I don't even have a "smart" phone!

My car will go to a shop next week to get the cylinder head rebuilt. The work will all be done locally. My head back on my engine. I hope it goes well.
The shop has great reviews. They work on all the "race" cars the "kids" have. Plus they only charge an arm, not a leg too!

[InAccordance]

[Jacques]

Wow! I'm impressed! You hood alignment does not look to good though. Your bumper covers look fit nice. Both mine are a bit askew due to minor impacts. Other than that my body is perfect.
Our cars would look awesome side by side! I think you are a step above me!
Edit: Oh wait! I win because you have four doors!

[InAccordance]

pfft, 4 door 3gs handle better!

She looks like hell but runs damn good which imo, is what matters =P

[Jacques]

pfft, 4 door 3gs handle better!

She looks like hell but runs damn good which imo, is what matters =P

Oh....maybe that's what's wrong with my autocross times! If she runs good, you have a sweet sleeper!
Have you ever had any cylinder head work done to the engine?

[InAccordance]

Not yet, it's on the list for later down the road

[Jacques]

Not yet, it's on the list for later down the road

I have 338,800 now. This will be the first time the Cylinder Head will be removed for rebuild. For many years now the car has sat all winter and it's very dry here.
I'll assume that not running it will dry the seals quicker. Maybe not the humidity as much as not running for months at a time.
How many miles on your engine? Have you ever done anything other than regular maintenance?

Shameful off topic video.

[InAccordance]

I'm at 286k, as far as I know it's never been taken apart. I have most records all the way back to 89 when the car was bought new and they dont say anything about rebuilding or anything. Just oil, belts, things like that.
Guy I bought it from said it had sat for about a year. It had carb problems and he never could get it running right so it ended up just sitting. Thing barely ran when I got it, wouldn't idle below 2k but once you put it in gear and tried moving, would barely go at all. Drove it 2 1/2 hours back home and it was all it could do to do 70mph on the interstate.
First thing was to rip out the old carb and put a weber 32/36 I had from the first 3g I had years ago. Then it was just a ton of repairs from old parts and leaky stuff.
Now it's been 5 speed swapped, suspension has been almost all replaced at this point and lowered, twin weber dcoe 45s, header to 2.5" pipe all the way back to a flowmaster, cat removed, and working on a megajolt ignition which should be up and running the next time I can get a day off.
Next plan is brake upgrades.
I would like to find a spare engine though to tear apart and try B-series rods and pistons in and do larger valves in the head.