Cylinder Head Rebuild

[So Cal Mark]

the 1608 head has a different size water jacket in the front. The larger valves make a difference from 5000rpm on up, so it depends on cam selection and planned operating range if you'll notice a difference. If you're interested, contact me about a package deal on a head

[baltobernie]

Depends on your pistons. You stated the diameter oversize; are they stock height? Two common HC aftermarket domes are 4mm and 8mm. The 1608 head has a lower CC volume than the 2L, and is a popular choice for 2L rebuilds, as it bumps the CR up a little. I have 4mm domes on an early head, and I think I'm right on the edge of detonation.

These old cars have often been "restored" many times, and a typical practice of a machine shop is to take a few thou off an aluminum head, so if this has previously been done to yours ...

If there's one lesson I've paid dearly for in my three years of Spider restoration, it's this:
Lampredi knew what he was doing, Fiat was/is a performance-minded company, and most of all ... changing one part of an engine dramatically influences every other component, and it is not only possible, but likely that an amateur can end up with less HP than before. (OK, that's three lessons).

A little CR boost (either cylinder head or pistons), a mild cam or two, single-plane manifold, 4-2-1 or tubular exhaust, 32/36, 34 or 36 carb, proper centrifugal advance, and everything balanced and dialed-in will result in a very satisfying engine that will probably outlive you. This engine is at the "knee" of the cost/benefit curve, and HP gains beyond this incur a terrific monetary and driveability penalty.

[basarabam]

Raising the CR more worries me since I used the 10.2:1 pistons. I am not sure their dome, I sent an email to Vick's for the specs again since it has been well over a year since I bought them and had the bottom end put together. I was thinking this could have helped me price wise since he was only wanting $300 plus shipping.

Thinking back maybe I should have just rebuilt it stock since I am not looking for a race car or anything, just wanted a bit more pep and now it has turned out to be a huge ordeal that I shouldnt have under taken. Now that I have started, I cant turn back though, so must plow forward.

Mark, I will give you a call at my lunch time, 11:30 Central time (if you have time?), and talk to you a bit and see what we can figure out.

Thanks guys

[basarabam]

I got a reply from Vick's. They are 84.4mm pistons with 8mm domes, so I guess that means no way Hosea!

[engineerted]

Just because it has 8mm domes does not mean it won't work, it depends on the valve cut outs, compression height, if the block was decked, yada yada yada. You need to measure and check for yourself what you have.

[mPedro08]

Just because it has 8mm domes does not mean it won't work, it depends on the valve cut outs, compression height, if the block was decked, yada yada yada. You need to measure and check for yourself what you have.

+1 I think your chat with Mark will answer a lot of your questions. You have quite a dome with 8mm on a 2.0 and I'm pretty sure the 1608 head is a none starter. We used an 1800 block with the same pistons and a 2.0 head Mark built...the car has more like 9.8/1 and is a brute compared to stock....with a two barrel and header/free flowing exhaust.