L series block and head question

[N0RCALDIME]

Just completely rebuilt a L16 block and was wondering if it was compatible with the head currently on my L18?

thanks

[datsunaholic]

Yes.

 

Well, unless you have a highly customized L18 with special machining for a special head. Otherwise, heads used on stock L18s in 1974 were also used on stock L16s in 1973.

[N0RCALDIME]

thanks for the quick response. now, are there any pros or cons to this? what is the difference between L series heads? I'm not very motor-savvy. I'm a body man! lol

[datsunaholic]

Depends on the head. First you have to look under the spark plugs, along the bottom should be a casting number by the "NISSAN". That doesn't tell the whole story, as there are variants of each casting. Generally a stock US-market L18 would have an A87 head, but the less desireable open-chamber design (to attain a lower compression ratio due to the US's low octane fuel and emissions standards of the 70s). A 1973 L16 would also have the same head, but older L16s had the "210" casting head which had the smallest valves and ports of any L-series head. Non-US spec L18s could have closed-chamber A87 heads (higher compression) or W53 heads (pretty much identical to the A87 closed-chamber). But there are many heads, so find the casting number then do a search. The pros/cons of various heads and the head specs are out there on the 'net as well as here.

[N0RCALDIME]

Depends on the head. First you have to look under the spark plugs, along the bottom should be a casting number by the "NISSAN". That doesn't tell the whole story, as there are variants of each casting. Generally a stock US-market L18 would have an A87 head, but the less desireable open-chamber design (to attain a lower compression ratio due to the US's low octane fuel and emissions standards of the 70s). A 1973 L16 would also have the same head, but older L16s had the "210" casting head which had the smallest valves and ports of any L-series head. Non-US spec L18s could have closed-chamber A87 heads (higher compression) or W53 heads (pretty much identical to the A87 closed-chamber). But there are many heads, so find the casting number then do a search. The pros/cons of various heads and the head specs are out there on the 'net as well as here.

so its got the A87 head. pretty sure it's all stock. but if anyone sees different, let me know!

L18 Head:

 

 

Anyone know what the cause of this abrasion is???

 

 

and just an appearance update; enjoy