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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: dakazman on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 08:31:21 AM

Title: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: dakazman on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 08:31:21 AM

I’m looking for another route . I believe I can repair the pulled out heli-coil in the block and install a stud in its place . Only about 1/4 I was stripped out. I measured the depth of the hole and have a good 1” of threads.

Will the head of a wedge work in conjunction with a cam and distributor swap on a hemi?
The low end of this motor look solid.
Dakazman

Title: Re: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 10:53:24 AM

Hemis and wedges have different pistons as well as cam and distributor.  Often later blocks take different mounts though you can make adapters.

Title: Re: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: dakazman on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 12:36:18 PM

My plan is to leave the pistons, just change out the cam and put the wedge head on top.
The motor mounts line up the same.
Dakazman

Title: Re: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 03:50:48 PM

The wedge pistons are relieved/notched on one side, the hemi on two.  Is the hemi piston relief/notch large enough?

Title: Re: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: dakazman on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 04:31:15 PM

Thanks JB , I did compare it and yes I did notice the notch on the wedge pistons on one side and the hemi does have two. I will measure it out tomorrow but it seem the same. 
It also seems the the pistons have more clearance to the top of block. Plus the two mm larger diameter pistons 77 vs 79.
Would it be ok to turn engine with head off or should I install hold downs first . The liners are very tight in block. Thanks for all your help.
Dakazman

Title: Re: Can an 843 hemi head become a wedge?
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,May 21, 2019, 08:14:02 PM

Install hold-downs first, large washers would do.  Better safe than sorry.