Tickford heads

Jorgo85 · 27-01-2007, 10:37 PM

I recently went to my mechanic for a quote to change my head gasket. I explained to him that coolant is starting to leak out between the head and block near the 3rd cylinder. He told me that its a fairly common problem for the head to corrode there and that in the worst case scenario, I'd be up for a replacement head for $1400 fitted. I asked whether it would be replaced with a Tickford head and he told me that I cant get one as there is no part listing for this head in his book. He also said that there is no difference in the casting of the head but the cam is different from standard.

Now, I'm almost certain that I've read somewhere that the tickford head has smaller combustion chambers and larger valves, along with the cam, compared to a standard head. Can anyone set me straight?

Also, for under $1400, I can pick up a complete BA twin cam motor rated at 182kw. How much rooting around would it be to make it fit in an EF?

Kenaz · 27-01-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFXR65spd

Also, for under $1400, I can pick up a complete BA twin cam motor rated at 182kw. How much rooting around would it be to make it fit in an EF?

Alot mate! For starters they don't clear the bonnet, not to mention getting the DVCT to function properly. Good to see you're thinking outside the square though

gthofan · 27-01-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenaz

not to mention getting the DVCT to function properly.

ash, is that the cam timing?

Kenaz · 28-01-2007, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthofan

ash, is that the cam timing?

Yep ;) DVCT = Dual Variable Cam Timing

havoc19 · 28-01-2007, 02:44 AM

In answer to your first question yes there is a diffrence in xr6 heads.

Tickford alloy cylinder head including:
Larger valves (41mm dia valves replacing std 39mm).
Reshaped exhaust ports / runners.
Reshaped intake runners at the valve mouth to improve incoming 'air tumble and flow dynamics'.
Identifiable by a 'T' cast into the front of the head.

Check out this website if you wanna know everything that was diffrent
http://www.trueblueford.com/EFxr_specs.html

XR6TickfordBoy · 28-01-2007, 02:54 AM

Might be worth looking around for a second hand Tickford head from a wreckers or somethin as I doubt ud want to downgrade to standard heads as the Tickford heads are much better! As said prob some better options for $1400!

atec77 · 28-01-2007, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFXR65spd

I recently went to my mechanic for a quote to change my head gasket. I explained to him that coolant is starting to leak out between the head and block near the 3rd cylinder. He told me that its a fairly common problem for the head to corrode there and that in the worst case scenario, I'd be up for a replacement head for $1400 fitted. I asked whether it would be replaced with a Tickford head and he told me that I cant get one as there is no part listing for this head in his book. He also said that there is no difference in the casting of the head but the cam is different from standard.

Now, I'm almost certain that I've read somewhere that the tickford head has smaller combustion chambers and larger valves, along with the cam, compared to a standard head. Can anyone set me straight?

Also, for under $1400, I can pick up a complete BA twin cam motor rated at 182kw. How much rooting around would it be to make it fit in an EF?

Get a second opinion as if the corrosian hasn't eaten it completly a weld job is very possible and they dont cost much , or possiblt find a used head ?
either way there are better ways than buying a new unit .

BI6TIM · 28-01-2007, 09:22 AM

Or for less than $1400 you could get a complete AU motor with the modified sump to fit EF/EL an just drop that in.

Christiaan · 28-01-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFXR65spd

I recently went to my mechanic for a quote to change my head gasket. I explained to him that coolant is starting to leak out between the head and block near the 3rd cylinder. He told me that its a fairly common problem for the head to corrode there and that in the worst case scenario, I'd be up for a replacement head for $1400 fitted. I asked whether it would be replaced with a Tickford head and he told me that I cant get one as there is no part listing for this head in his book. He also said that there is no difference in the casting of the head but the cam is different from standard.

Now, I'm almost certain that I've read somewhere that the tickford head has smaller combustion chambers and larger valves, along with the cam, compared to a standard head. Can anyone set me straight?

Also, for under $1400, I can pick up a complete BA twin cam motor rated at 182kw. How much rooting around would it be to make it fit in an EF?

For starters, get a new mechanic.

It won't be the head thats corroded, it'll be the gasket. The head can be reco'd for around $500 (that's a full reco). And you'll have your tickford head.

He probably wants to flog the tickford head off, and fit a standard one to your car. shifty bugger.

old_mate · 28-01-2007, 01:10 PM

No, the alloy does corrode as well. Only one of my eseries heads (i have done three) has been able to get away with a skim. The other two needed welding around the water jackets between cyls three and four

Christiaan · 28-01-2007, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_mate

No, the alloy does corrode as well. Only one of my eseries heads (i have done three) has been able to get away with a skim. The other two needed welding around the water jackets between cyls three and four

Yeah. But for the mechanic to say he needs a new head right off the bat, doesn't give me too much confidence..

Jorgo85 · 28-01-2007, 03:53 PM

He said that the new head would be the absolute worst case and that $1400 was the max it would cost. He didn't rule out that it might be the gasket and went over the whole weld and skim thing. The main thing that made me a bit iffy about it was the fact that he wouldnt be getting another Tickford head

FRDXR6 · 28-01-2007, 06:13 PM

How much did he say if the head turns out fine after pressure/crack test etc?

Jorgo85 · 29-01-2007, 01:44 AM

He didn't say. He usually does me a pretty good deal coz he went to school with my sister. He mentioned that the top gasket set would be around $100 (head, manifolds etc) and for labour I'm not sure.

trick_xd · 29-01-2007, 12:21 PM

Permaseal gasket set = 48+
Head bolts = 21+
AU Head gasket 50+
Machine head , Pressure test 80+
Weild any Holes ?? 25 for the first one and 10 for every one after that.
then there is the time to do it .
It takes 4-5hrs to do a e-series @ 70$ a hr

a short job like that will come to around the 600 mark.
BUT then again EVERY Place and Mechanic charges diffrent. To do this same job at the next place down the road they will charge 850 - 1000..
even a exchange head is less then 500.. AND Now they are Making Brand NEW heads for E-series. I think they are $300 NEW but with no springs or valves

Jorgo85 · 30-01-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trick_xd

AND Now they are Making Brand NEW heads for E-series. I think they are $300 NEW but with no springs or valves

Have you got any idea who manufactures these bare heads and whether they do the XR6 ones? Wouldn't mind building the head up myself and doing it all at home.