TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:58 pm

for rebuilt heads on the samba classifieds, seem like a good deal?
i would be buying them for 'insurance" down the road etc for my 79 (ca only) transporter, its running fine now (all stock hyd lifters etc. i have not verified square exaust ports, but everything else is original, cat/crossover pipe and 02 sensor
thanks guys/girls
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=641049

Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:08 pm

buying ahead of time is a bad idea for anything that can be found later easily. machine shops will always be around. buy some cores but not finished heads. also, consider that needs can change

Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:16 am

I say buy 'em... :wink:

Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:09 pm

It would be nice if that ad stated the casting numbers on those heads. A lot of people consider ALL square port heads as being the same. But the 79 heads are truly ONE-year-only. They call the Vanagon heads '79' heads when they are not.

79 head part numbers [cast on the heads]:
029-101-371A left and 029-101-371B right
Like the 76-78 oval port FI heads, it uses 022 109 612D 33mm exhaust valves and 021 109 601A 37.5mm intake valves.

80-83.5 part numbers [Vanagon]:
071-101-371A left and 071-101-371B right
These heads use the same 022 109 612D 33mm exhaust valves BUT they use the 021 109 601 intake valves which are 39.3mm

A lot of people quote this site for reference, but I have issues with it:
http://www.tunacan.net/t4/reference/cylhead.htm

I have written him repeatedly about the part numbers of the 79 only heads but I do not believe anyone there wants to correct the info.
A CRITICAL error is the size of the Vanagon valves. The intakes are NOT 37mm like the 2.0L bus FI heads. The intakes are part number 021 109 601 and are 39.3mm. Same as the 1.7L carb'd heads.

If they are true 79 only heads, buy them!

But I am not sure why he says "Appear to be in great shape" IF he just had them 'rebuilt'?!?

Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:53 pm

I just took a couple more pics of the heads where you can see the casting #'s. Karl, both of them say 029-101-371B.... So my engine had 2 right side heads on it? :x

If this is the case, I will update the ad again.

Sat Jul 26, 2008 1:04 pm

I say a spare set of heads on your shelf is a good thing to have with a type 4 motor.

Also when you are buying parts you don't need RIGHT NOW you can take your time and find great deals

Sat Jul 26, 2008 1:06 pm

The only difference between A and B is the A [left] head has the 10 x 1.0 hole for temp sensor II, instead of a 6 x 1.0 tin screw hole.

All new AMC heads are A heads......

Yep, B head. Both holes are 6 x 1.0 [can't see the other head to know if a PO drilled and tapped to 10 x 1.0]

Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:10 am

Karl wrote: The only difference between A and B is the A [left] head has the 10 x 1.0 hole for temp sensor II, instead of a 6 x 1.0 tin screw hole.

So it's not a big deal then? I don't see a threaded hole in the other head either.