I remember reading a while ago that the 89-92 086 head is the preffered head when it comes to a head swap onto a LB9.

I just pulled a log-style intake from a grand am in the junkyard, and was wondering if it was worth it to pull the head as well. I'm not sure what year the car is, but I'm assuming its a 1990 since its build date is nov. 1989.

I just can't remember if it's the HO head that I want, or if they used the same head for all the models.

The intake is a LO if that helps at all.

Thanks for any help and info, it's greatly appriciated.


2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536

You'd want the HO head, the LO one isn't going to do you much good.





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So look for a HO 89-92?

Is there any different markings between the two (HO and LO head, like the intakes)?

And would a motor with a HO head have only a HO intake?

Thanks again.


2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536

I believe so, but MFK or somebody more versed in the older 2.3's could say otherwise. The casting number on the head would have the numbers "086" on the end of it, hence the head being called the 086 head.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

I was just reading this article at http://www.ny-jbodies.org/library/engine/2.3/quad4tricks.htm and it references cylinder heads by years, not really saying anything about Ho / Lo.

Are HO and LO heads the same for each similar year?




2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536

Gm has build some Lo with the 086 head. When you look at the head, you have to check the casting number.

I bought a 90 Lo with the 086 head, Ho intake manifold, Ho cams but it had the Lo pistons and exhaust manifold.

You really have to check the casting.

If you can't find a 086 head, you can get a 955 head. They have the same port has a 086 head but it has the smaller valves.

You can't only go with the year because some may have the 753 or 456 head since they were the replacement for the 086 head from Gm.

If you go with a 753/456 head, the compression will go up like any other 2.3 head but the flow will be restricted.

It would be good to get the Ho manifolds (Ie: intkae and exhaust). They are the best manifold for the 2.3 for now. The 2.3 header for the N & L body is great but it has nbot been tested on the J body.



Gilles
2.3 Ho

Awwww....@!#$tttt. Went to the junkyard, the car was a 90 grand am 2.3. Finally got the head off and its the 93' 24570753. Whats weird was that the 075 was punched in, not the original casting numbers.

Is this head of any good? Or should I return it? (are the cams of any good?) I think its a LO.

Thanks again for the help




2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536

The only good thing is that the compression will be higher but the flow is about the same as a 2.4 head.

You need to mesure the cam. check the lift and you'll see.



Gilles
2.3 Ho

Just went back to a different yard. Found a 90' grand am with a HO intake allready taken off and leaning against the hood prop! The starter was missing, so I'm assuming thats why. But this head was a 086, so I ripped it off. I'm sooo stoked.

Whats the deal with the camshafts? I've read about the "secret cam swap", but how come you can't use a HO cam with 212 duration with the head swap on a LB9? (why can you only use the 95' intake cam, and 89-92 exaust?)

Thanks again,
Skyler


2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536

First... our engines are the LD9....

You can't use them because #1, with the stock engine, the lift is too high causing a lot of problems with the ECU, and second, there is no pickup on the intake cam for the cam sensor.

Keep in mind, this isn't exactly a plug-and-pray swap.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

Thanks for the heads up on the LD9.

Why couldn't you get away with running a HO exaust cam? The only sensor for the exaust is the lambda sensor, and having a more lift and duration shouldn't affect the operation of that. (I might eventually run n2o, where the increased exaust duration will be a benifit).

I could see the lift/duratuion screwing up the computer with the HO intake cam.

I know this isn't just a plug-and-pray kind of deal. That's why I'm bombarding this thread with questions.

What else is there? I understand the head gasket has to be drilled out to match the coolant ports. I really haven't researched too much on the timing set-up, but I imagine that its similar to most (line up keyways/marks, make sure engine is on correct stroke).

I'm guessing that I could run the stock head gasket thickness due to our altitude. (I calculated it to be 11.4:1, but have heard others quote 11.2:1)

Any input is greatly appriciated
Thank,
Skyler





2000 z24
1985 z28 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/825536