924Board.org

[zwoodward]

Will an 81 n/a head and valvetrain fit onto a 79 n/a without any problems?
Thanks,
Zac 1979 924 n/a

[5150]

I think the only differences over the years were that the very earliest models had smaller valves. This wouldn't be the case with a 79 afaik. The only other differences may be the injectors and distributor unless I'm mistaken.
_________________
Mars Red '78 Euro 924 n/a
http://www.cardomain.com/id/5150_uk

Graphite? Grey Metallic '85 (late model) 944 2.5

There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.

[leadfoot]

The only differences I can see are the vaccum connections on the later models distribtor compared to the earlier ones, the later only having vaccum advance... and the distributor advance being a different curve (more advance sooner)...
so to take advantage of the larger ports you might use the later distributor and hence you might need to block a vaccum port on the throttle body.
Make sure you don't end up with engine knocking if the fuel octane is low and you increase the advance of the engine.
Leadfoot
_________________
1981 ROW 924 Turbo -
carbon fiber GT mish mash
LS1 conversion in progress...

[zwoodward]

I'm trying to save some money as my head needs new exhaust vavles and a cam follower at a minimum and there is an 81 head for sale on the classified forum for $75 with cam and valvetrain. I see the last 6 digits of the injector part number are the same for both years but in 1980 they switched the first three to 049 from 047, is this the same part? Also the parts page on this website indicates that the valves are the same from 77-82 excluding the early 77 XF and XH engine. So what does this mean? Are the actual ports bigger but the valves are the same size, or no? I'm wondering looking at that information if I can just re-use my old distributor and all? At the very least, since all the parts numbers are the same, if my current head checked out at the machine shop could I just swap in the entire valve train (that would save me like $120).
Thanks,
Zac
1979 924 n/a

[gohim]

An 81 cylinder head will bolt right on. You have to use your old distributor because of differences in the ignition systems between the 79 and 81 systems.

Your injectors will still fit and work fine, and the valve sizes are the same between 79 and 81 so you are okay.

The port shapes are actually different between the early, middle version and later 924 heads, but that will not make any difference to you.

[zwoodward]

Thanks for your help guys, looks like its the way I'm going.
Zac