Hmm, I think you need Laurie to chime in. I seem to recall a note in the
Moss catalog to the effect that any head will work, with one exception. It
may have had to do with the water choke, which may not be applicable to your
situation.
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
on 6/21/04 6:38 PM, Bill Miller at millerb@intergate.com wrote:
> First of all thanks to everyone who responded directly to me. I do
> appreciate it.
>
> A lister has help me confirm with the head casting numbers that the new head
> is in fact a '75+ MGB head according to the casting numbers.
>
> According to the info and my casting numbers, my old head is for a 72-74.5
> The new head is for 75+
>
> My block id is: 18V890AE-L835, according to the VB catalog it is a 1977
> block.
> However, the block has the same hole pattern as the 72-74 head.
>
> Think someone (a PO) changed the engine ID plate in this car's previous
> life? It doesn't look like it, and why would they?
>
> The old head gasket that I removed has both holes, as does the new gasket.
> The new gasket is list for '75-80 MGB. The single hole in the new head
> lines up perfectly with the left hole in the set of two on the head gasket.
> If these are in fact oil return holes, I am not too worried, but I think
> they may be water jacket holes. The head gasket set (victor) has these
> holes in question ringed with a red "silicon" type material. Just those
> holes. None of the other. Any ideas?
>
> I'm more confused than ever. Should I use it? Should I look for another
> 72-74.5 head?
>
> Barney Gaylord sent me a long letter a while back when I started looking for
> a head that said "Any MGB head will fit on any MGB engine. Mix and match to
> your heart's pleasure. I even use an "18" head on the MGA engine(s)" So I
> am inclined to think this will work. But I am pretty concerned about it and
> I want some to say it will be ok. :) I guess I'm just chicken!
>
> Bill
> '78 'B with no head...
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>>
>> I got my new head back from the machine shop Friday. Pulled the old
>> one off today. Started reassembling so that I could drive to work
>> tomorrow and I have a problem.... My car is 1978 MGB
>>
>> The holes on the two heads do not match. Supposedly they are both off
>> a '78 'B However they must not be. I have pictures posted here:
>>
>> http://www.bmiller.com/images/newhead.jpg
>> http://www.bmiller.com/images/oldhead.jpg
>> http://www.bmiller.com/images/compare.jpg
>> http://www.bmiller.com/images/block.jpg
>>
>> Which head is not a '78 and more importantly, can I use this head?
>> Why and what are the differences in these holes?
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