1973 head on 1972 block

BDD · 05-21-2008

Can I put a 1973 1.9 L. GT head with it's valves, camshaft, etc. on my stock 1972 GT engine? Were there any changes to the heads, oil journals, coolant openings, etc. that would cause problems? Would I need to alter the head gasket at all? I'm thinking that my 1972 is probably an early 72. My old 73 I got the head from had Manta taillights. I don't know exactly when it was made though. I looked tonight and didn't see a year cast into my 72 engine block. There could be a difference in the number of head bolts.

I also have access to a 1970, 1.9 L. Opel GT head. Would that fit with it's camshaft etc. on a 1972 engine? Would it affect compression? Are there any gasket differences, etc?

oldopelguy · 05-22-2008

As long as you're leaving the cam and such that came with the head in it then you don't have to worry about the 3 or 4 cam bearing issue. The only other issue would be does the replacement head have the extra bolts that bolt down into the timing cover, and/ or does your timing cover have those bolt holes. If they both do, get the later head gasket and you'll be fine. If neither does, get the early head gasket and you'll be fine. If one does and the other doesn't then you need to either use the gasket appropriate for the timing cover or use an alternate method for sealing the gap between the timing cover and head.

jlthunder · 05-22-2008

It should be OK. Just as old opelguy stated. I'm running a '74 timing cover out of a Manta on my '72 GT. The timing cover has the 2 extra holes, but the head doesn't so I can run either head gasket.

deaner · 05-22-2008

Originally Posted by jlthunder

It should be OK. Just as old opelguy stated. I'm running a '74 timing cover out of a Manta on my '72 GT. The timing cover has the 2 extra holes, but the head doesn't so I can run either head gasket.

The timing cover determines the head gasket. You would have to use the 12 bolt gasket. The early 10 bolt head gasket has a thicker area around the front. The deck height of the timing covers are different. If I remember right. If not I'm claiming a senior moment.

jlthunder · 05-22-2008

Hmm. I'll have to look to see what gasket is in there. If the wrong one is there, then it looks like I have another project for the winter. At least it will give me an excuse to look at my pistons to see what's in there

05-21-2008	#1 (permalink)
BDD Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 605	Unanswered: 1973 head on 1972 block Can I put a 1973 1.9 L. GT head with it's valves, camshaft, etc. on my stock 1972 GT engine? Were there any changes to the heads, oil journals, coolant openings, etc. that would cause problems? Would I need to alter the head gasket at all? I'm thinking that my 1972 is probably an early 72. My old 73 I got the head from had Manta taillights. I don't know exactly when it was made though. I looked tonight and didn't see a year cast into my 72 engine block. There could be a difference in the number of head bolts. I also have access to a 1970, 1.9 L. Opel GT head. Would that fit with it's camshaft etc. on a 1972 engine? Would it affect compression? Are there any gasket differences, etc?

05-22-2008	#2 (permalink)
oldopelguy Have Opel, Will Travel Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Saint Michael, MN Posts: 1,727 Logbook Entries: 3 Provided Answers: 2	As long as you're leaving the cam and such that came with the head in it then you don't have to worry about the 3 or 4 cam bearing issue. The only other issue would be does the replacement head have the extra bolts that bolt down into the timing cover, and/ or does your timing cover have those bolt holes. If they both do, get the later head gasket and you'll be fine. If neither does, get the early head gasket and you'll be fine. If one does and the other doesn't then you need to either use the gasket appropriate for the timing cover or use an alternate method for sealing the gap between the timing cover and head. __________________ 1958 Rekord Sedan, 1958 Olympia Wagon, 1959 Opel Olympia Sedan, 1967 Kadett Coupe, 1967 Admiral Sedan 4L CIH-6, 1968 Kadett fastback 1.1L, 1970 Kadett Wagon Turbo 2.2L, 1971 Kadett Sedan 1.1L, 1975 Manta Wagon 4.3L V-6

05-22-2008	#3 (permalink)
jlthunder 1000 Post Club Join Date: May 2003 Location: Salfordville, PA Posts: 2,143 Real Name: Jeff	It should be OK. Just as old opelguy stated. I'm running a '74 timing cover out of a Manta on my '72 GT. The timing cover has the 2 extra holes, but the head doesn't so I can run either head gasket. __________________ 1972 Opel GT, Owner since 1983 2001 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0 Turbo V6 Weeeeeeeeeee!!! 1973 GT, Parted out, R.I.P. 1968 Kadette, Owner since 2006, Sold, 28 June 2008

05-22-2008	#5 (permalink)
jlthunder 1000 Post Club Join Date: May 2003 Location: Salfordville, PA Posts: 2,143 Real Name: Jeff	Hmm. I'll have to look to see what gasket is in there. If the wrong one is there, then it looks like I have another project for the winter. At least it will give me an excuse to look at my pistons to see what's in there __________________ 1972 Opel GT, Owner since 1983 2001 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0 Turbo V6 Weeeeeeeeeee!!! 1973 GT, Parted out, R.I.P. 1968 Kadette, Owner since 2006, Sold, 28 June 2008

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