186 Head wanted urgently!

[Rothu]

Ok! All done, new head! Much better.

I got a reco'ed "202" head from ebay for $150!

After Ben said to get a 173 head for greater compression I groaned and did some research.
The casting number is 2811929 H which according to various forums was either a 202 or 173.
The "H" stands for high comp. But people pointed out that the 202 adjusted the comp by the depth of the dish in the piston, so it couldn't be a "202 H" head.
So then I got here http://www.allhead.com.au/Identification/ID_Red%206.html and clarified it WAS a 173 high comp head! And the old head was a 202... (2811930)
This holden head photo chart really helped too http://gallery.oldholden.com/HQ_SS/Tech/Engines/red+heads/6cyl+Casting+ids/

So thinking I'd have to lose a bit of guts in power, but totally forced to do change it anyway, it turns out it's even better than I could have thought!

I also got the proper rockers, pivot posts and bolts off some Commo at Centre road wreckers.
Note: check all the pivots posts. They are aluminium and right under where you pour oil in, grit can get in and sit there between the post and rocker and grind away at both. A full set $10.

Bloody stoked!

Thanks Ben for your other option!
 

[ben]

glad its worked out well for ya brother!!

cheers
ben

[Mr Whippy]

Thats some great info, thanks Rothu!

[able]

i seem to have this one....
http://gallery.oldholden.com/HQ_SS/Tech/Engines/red+heads/6cyl+Casting+ids/06++2811930++30+G+3+++30++7+73++++6cyl++++L.jpg.html

how long is that going to last running straight gas?

does the L mean low compression like some claim?

[ben]

i think they work on 50,000 if the head is in good nick.

i recon i did more than that thou with my first 173 head..

oh but i did drive about 10,000 only on 5 cylinders lol
ben

[able]

so what exactly do i want to get long life out of a head running on straight gas?

[ben]

i asume you mean what exactly to i DO not WANT..

get your valve seats harrdened. probably cost about $400 or $500 i recon. only guessing thou.. id drive it thou until they stuff up then get it reconed. thats what all the head reconditioners suggest also. or get another one off ebay.

ben

[able]

i might as well get it all running and buy another head and get the work done to that.

that's all it needs?

am i better of sticking to a 202 head if im just after a everyday driver and don't want to spend and muck around more then i have too? you would have to change push rod lengths and all that if you change heads to a non 202?

[Warren]

Able

I dont think so, the heads, and motors for that mater are all much the same, just different bore/stroke - port configuration.

Warren

[able]

so it would be better to pick up a 173 head for the extra compression especially if im running straight gas and spend the money on that?