Pairing heads to a block

[Pearldrummer7]

Hi!

My hybrid motor is kaput. I ordered a shiny new IAG Stage 1 block :D

then I took my heads off, found they were cracked, and am unsure what to do next.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51307597459_88e2e5bde7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2maSRci)


I guess my questions are:

-2.0 heads (matched to the 2.5 head cc size) or 2.5 heads?
-Are camshafts the same for 2.0 and 2.5 heads if I bought some sans-camshaft?
-any other suggestions?

[jforand]

These are very good questions. I am in the process of starting with a clean new slate as well. After deciding to buy a new short block (had not purchased it yet), I then debated all of this. I believe I have decided to buy the long block from the builder. I looked at IAG, Outfront, and Element Tuning. I am closest to Element, their prices seemed competitive, and I talked to him for a good 1.5-2 hrs. I was feeling pretty good about everything he said. Once I am able to reconnect with him I will be going to full long block package deal.

For you since the IAG deal is 'done', I think I would talk with them and get their recommendation on heads to bolt to their short lock. I would like to hope that you could even get a warranty from them for all of it, but I think their site said that professional installation was required for any warranty......kind of a bummer for me anyway.

[Newkitguy]

surprised you didn't just go with IAGs hybrid bottom end

[Pearldrummer7]

These are very good questions. I am in the process of starting with a clean new slate as well. After deciding to buy a new short block (had not purchased it yet), I then debated all of this. I believe I have decided to buy the long block from the builder. I looked at IAG, Outfront, and Element Tuning. I am closest to Element, their prices seemed competitive, and I talked to him for a good 1.5-2 hrs. I was feeling pretty good about everything he said. Once I am able to reconnect with him I will be going to full long block package deal.

For you since the IAG deal is 'done', I think I would talk with them and get their recommendation on heads to bolt to their short lock. I would like to hope that you could even get a warranty from them for all of it, but I think their site said that professional installation was required for any warranty......kind of a bummer for me anyway.


Appreciate the advice. I had a nice long call with IAG talking about this and took away a few things:

1) with my low ish power goals (like 300 wheel or so), 2.0 heads with nice valves will be fine, nothing fancy (like stage 1 or higher)
2) if I use 2.0 heads I can get away with no wiring harness changes (which would be mighty nice)
3) a lot of them have cracks, and depending on severity it's fine or it's not


So I found a set of uncracked 2.0 heads on ebay for $1,000 with supertech valves (great seller, tons of detailed photos upon request). It's not as cool as an IAG long block but the budget to put the motor back in the car didn't really allow for that right now. Oh, I'll get them chamber matched when I get them in, as well. Here's to hoping this build will be sufficient for some track time to help me re-fall in love with the car. I don't love the lack of warranty, though.

[Pearldrummer7]

surprised you didn't just go with IAGs hybrid bottom end

they basically downsold me the $1000 difference at lower power levels. That's what I went in considering and after a decently long phone call I landed on the Stage 1. I am also surprised but pleasantly

[Mechie3]

All cams are not equal. Some (all?) of the 2.5 cams were AVCS and if you don't plug the holes in the front of the cam, you will shoot oil out. Some cams were also hollow to save weight/rotational inertia. Don't know about lift/duration differences between them. There's not many places that do a great job with bore matching heads so make sure you go with a proven place if you go that route. I myself like the D25 heads found on the 06 WRX and a few other as they're hemispherical shaped and not triangular like the STI. Those have AVCS though and might be more of a change than you're looking for.