so ive decided to change the HG myself, actually a friend is really doing it, i am helping. we started on tuesday and working on it a couple hours a night. originally i was planning on swapping it with a 20R block with a 83-84 22R head. but looks like the head on that 20R is from a 81-82 22R and will not fit the EFI intake. Unless i go carbed, i cant swap it.

then I started to think of going with my 85 head (given that its not warped) on the 20R block. this is not going to work since in 85 the deck height changed and the timing belt wont fit.

also the 20R block has been bored 30 over and has forged chevy pistons which have a similar dome on it like the 22RE pistons. but these pistons dont have a notch in them required for the valve clearance. another problem is that the forged pistons knock naturally when cold and the knock sensor will take this knock as detonation and try to add fuel. this article below describes it. anywaz, had to relocate the knock sensor below on the 20R block, found an empty boss but that is in the way of the starter. another option was to weld a nut onto the block and screw it in. i think that should work.

after all that contemplating ive decided to just change the HG, and upgrade the camshaft to a low end performance type and call it a week ill post pics today or tomorrow, my crappy camera hasnt been working lately.

 

Glad you decided to fix it rather than sell it. Good luck!

 

ill bring it to the first NE4ROC meet and greet, if i do it right and get it all working that is.

 

Awesome.

 

here is the new HG

 

Also, can someone please tell me where this harness goes and which connector goes into it?

 

drove it last nite and within 20 miles, the coolant level in the reservoir dropped 1/2 inch. is this because the level within the block was stabilizing?

 

i'd assume so. it probably just burped some air out of it.

i'm waiting until monday or tuesday to get to a machine shop(damned work) since they're not open on weekends -- i blew my head gasket on wednesday night never had any symptoms, but was gushing coolant out of the overflow and it smelled like exhaust. pulled the head last night and i was right...there was what looks like a tiny crack in the #4 fire ring. damned cheap gaskets, i'm going toyota this time around, and having the head machined just to make dead sure this isn't gonna happen for a long time...