k24a1 head on the a3 block.

[frankdogg]

I have galled cams on my a3 head and don't want to swap engines etc etc etc.

so I'm wondering, is the 24a1 head a straight replacement to the a3? also which timing chain would i use? k20 or k24? etc.

any help would be awesome.

[whatsvtec]

I wouldn't call it a "straight swap" but it will run, pretty safely. I've been told by very reliable people that you can even swap a k24a1 w/310 injectors on a stock ep3 ECU. Try it out if you feel it's safe, I would definitely try it.

You should be able to keep the stock chain, etc as well.

[los]

hey whats vtec you sound like you know your stuff i started a thread on k24 /k20 can you help me out? with a direction in which to go in for this build

[PAPITUYO326]

You can run a k24a1 head/k20a3 block combo on a stock ecu. I ran this combo or a while back in 05 when completing a k24 build.

You don't need the 310 injectors to run the k24a1 safely. The 270s will do just fine.

[bizzle]

I am curious the benefit of running a k24a1 head on a k20a3 block? Anyone care to elaborate? As for the cams, they aren't that hard to replace. I helped a bit with the guy who did mine and we did it in a drive way pretty quickly.

[frankdogg]

the only reason I am considering swapping the head out is b/c of the cam galling. It's pretty bad. Last time I went to get my valves adjusted, the mechanics told me no bueno and wouldn't do it.

i've looked for cams just to replace and most of them have some galling, so i figured it would be easier to just swap heads or just swapping cams. I do know the benefits of the k24a1 head is that it is considered to be the best flowing head and its cheap. But i'm not looking for power, i just daily my car. I would just buy a k24a1 longblock and swap it in IF it didn't require getting a dc5 spec race header.

[frankdogg]

You can run a k24a1 head/k20a3 block combo on a stock ecu. I ran this combo or a while back in 05 when completing a k24 build.

You don't need the 310 injectors to run the k24a1 safely. The 270s will do just fine.

what about timing chain? k20 one? would you recommend swapping out headbolts too? my motor is pretty old. 150k and climbing.

[bizzle]

the only reason I am considering swapping the head out is b/c of the cam galling. It's pretty bad. Last time I went to get my valves adjusted, the mechanics told me no bueno and wouldn't do it.

i've looked for cams just to replace and most of them have some galling, so i figured it would be easier to just swap heads or just swapping cams. I do know the benefits of the k24a1 head is that it is considered to be the best flowing head and its cheap. But i'm not looking for power, i just daily my car. I would just buy a k24a1 longblock and swap it in IF it didn't require getting a dc5 spec race header.
I think I paid $75 shipped from someone on here for a set that looked great. Just keep looking. It's a lot easier to replace the cams than an entire head swap. I believe the k24a1 uses the same cams, so if you can find a set of those, they'll work too.

[Onasty]

I have a pair of cams for you somewhere in the garage

[ep3k20]

Shit I have an entire a3 head assembly sitting around I will give you. It's better than collecting dust lol cams are perfect and head only has 63k

[whatsvtec]

Donate head to meeeee? :mangel:


Lol. Srsly though, take some of these handouts OP. Not often do you find people willing to donate parts just to keep your car running. Free and Safest option there. IMO

In theory(i'm not 100% sure) you would use a k20 chain since the bottom end is still shorter.

[PAPITUYO326]

Yes, use the same chain and guides.

You can measure your headbolts to see if they are still good, but yeah, it's probably better to just get a fresh set of ARPs in there.

[ep3k20]

Yup same chain and guides. No problems there. Lemme know if you need help or if you're interested in the head... Can't hurt right?

[los]

yea man take it your getting hooked up see thats why i like ep hatch poeple do things like that lol good luck with your car

[frankdogg]

man. i feel so much love up in here guys!

but yeah, if you guys have cams in good shape with no galling, i'd love to have a set. So if you guys wanna donate send some pics and i'll pay for shipping and send a "thank you" via paypal.

worst case scenario, i'll go for the k24A1 head swap.