Info that I can use, you do this for a livin/fun!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> A local machine shop said that I would have to use different pistons because of clearance issues between the piston and the vaves. My main issue is that I bought the engine used and the guy said " to the best of his knowledge it was an 83' 22R." The engine does have dome pistons in it though. Other than that are there any numbers on the block that might tell me what year the block may have come from? As for the cam, the rig is going to be used for mostly mud and some crawling. Future plans include a t-case doubler, proper ring & pinion gears(haven't done the homework on what set I need, rolling 35's at the moment),and lockers for both axles. My thought on the cam would be for low end torque and power, not worried about top end speed!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />Thanks for all the help <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
>>>*My pleasure to try and help,... yep. Got a few decades building engines in, I know a little bit about them.
There are no clearence issues with the 20R head on the early block, in fact that is a simple and easy bolt on job. Lots of folks like those round high velocity ports, especially for crawling. With domed pistons, you have an early 22R for sure. One change in those years other than a few gaskets was the main bearing locating tang location and the thrust washer thickness. Of course one change was the 81-82 had a dual roller timing chain setup, the 83-84 was a single roller.
In fact there are no clearence issues with the late combo either, although that is closer. The piston is at 90 degrees down the cylinder before the valve is fully open, anyway.
In our offerings, most seem to like the 261C for low end and it is well recieved for the hybrid drivers, too. There are lots of good choices available, though. Comp produces a 260 that is pretty grunty.
I never even look at the numbers, the difference can be spotted at a glance by the bow tie shaped pad on the driver's side of the block, or just use a tape measure. 11.280" tall for the early, 11.090" tall for the late block....*EB
