K8 heads on KL?

[Sleeper6]

Serious question, has anyone tried or know if its feasible with some machining to fit a K8 head to a KL with KL cams? If anyone knows of how/if its been done please add some info/links thanks!

[wytbishop]

Hmmm...there's a good chance it would fit. You need to get a K8 head and compare it to a KL head gasket to see if the ports line up. There could be differences in the location of oil galleries and/or coolant paths.

I'm curious what your goal is in doing this.

[Ryan]

Different bore.... if KL piston rises above deck surface, it will not work.

[Sleeper6]

Different bore.... if KL piston rises above deck surface, it will not work.

Actually Ryan any chance you have both a KL and a K8 head sitting around to compare with some photos? I know the mating surface at the pistons will be different but Im wondering if machining can clear that up.

[marcdh]

I have k8 heads lying about and KL head gaskets. I'll take some pics tomorrow if I get a minute.

[MrMazda92]

My guess as to his goal would be radical port shape modification... Smaller ports means more material to be removed, more material to remove means more potential for change. I like the idea myself!

[Sleeper6]

I have k8 heads lying about and KL head gaskets. I'll take some pics tomorrow if I get a minute.

Thanks Ild appreciate it!

[marcdh]

http://marcharrington.com/mx3/k8/k8headKLgasket.jpg
http://marcharrington.com/mx3/k8/k8head.jpg
http://marcharrington.com/mx3/k8/gasketCompare.jpg
http://marcharrington.com/mx3/k8/k8valves.jpg

All fluid holes appear to line up on initial comparison. Cute little exhaust valves on the k8 Least aligning part is the cylinder bore itself. Though it should seal fine... To me looks like the same gasket except the k8 gasket cylinder bore is lesser diameter. Both are genuine mazda gaskets AFAIK.