97 GST head on 93 block (7 bolt)

[FatManDangerous]

I found a recently (5k mile old) refurbished '97 gst head with 3 angle valve grind/ 3g lifters/valve seals/etc for $300

I was wondering if it would make sense to buy this instead of getting mine refurbished for perhaps a touch more? Will this 2g head work on my 1g 7 bolt block?

Any help would be great. Thanks.

what differences are there between 1g/2g heads?

 

[monster4g63tawd]

it should work fine. check the size of the head studs/bolts to make sure that they will fit and thats basically it... pretty sure anyway

 

[DroppedMitsu]

The CAS is different and not in back of head but on the front behind(?) cam gear I believe. There are more differences I just cant think of them at the moment, too much stuff running through my mind.

 

[19Eclipse90]

A '97 head will have the CAS on the passenger side like a 1G car, not behind the cam gear like a '95-'96 turbo car. The head will bolt up just fine.

That all being said, you have a number of other things to consider before making this decision. First, the intake manifold/throttle body situation. The intake ports on the 2G head are smaller than on the 1G head, as are the runners in the manifold. You can use a 1G intake manifold on a 2G head, but your airflow will be squeezing into the 2G head from the larger intake runner.

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This is easily solved by using the 2G intake manifold. Unfortunately that entails you purchasing one if you don't have one. Further, with the 2G manifold you run into an issue with the throttle body opening size and the 1G throttle body. The 2G manifold TB opening is 52mm while the 1G throttle body is 60mm. This creates the same "bottle neck" effect as using a 1G manifold on a 2G head. You can port the 2G manifold out to match the 1G TB or just use a 2G TB (which, again, if you don't have one you'll need to buy). If you use a 2G TB, you've got to use the correct sensors for the 1G car.

Second, buying a used head when you can have yours machined to a like-new condition for a similar price is, in my mind, something that should weigh heavily on your decision. Even with 5k miles on the head, it is still used and may have been abused more than you care to know. Having yours machined you have the assurance it is in top shape. To relate back to my first point, if you don't own a 2G manifold or throttle body or you have to bore out the 2G manifold for the 1G throttle body, you are spending more money that you really don't have to with your head.

If it were me, I would reuse your original head after having it machined and gone over. In the end it is much less of a headache (no puns intended).