motor question
 

Help me understand the reason one would use a 2.0 ltr case, 2.0 pistons and rods, yet install 1.8 heads. I just picked up a motor with this configuration. It is fitted with DeLorto IDF40's.. Not sure of cam, I haven't torn down the engine yet.

i'd say for the cost. is the engine number one that starts with GA (or maybe GB?C?).

Not only the cost, but also because the 1.8 heads don't crack as much as 2.0 heads do. They have more material in them, and they seem to resist the tendency to crack better.

That is quite likely why the 2.0 heads were replaced--too many cracks and/or a dropped valve seat.

Of course, it could be a 1.8 built up into 2.0 displacement--check the engine serial number as mentioned by jmcleod.

--DD

Besides not cracking, the hot rodders have room for the extra studs that they install. The 2.0 has larger valves that does not leave room for this modification.....

how sure are you that you have a 2.0?? my friend thought the same thing, but when he ran the case numbers he discovered that it was in fact a 1.8... don't be fooled by what the emblem on the back says... :-)

Just because it has a 1.8 case, does not mean that the internals are not 2.0. It just means that they used a different case. The 1.7/1.8 cases can be built up using different stroke and displacments....

The 1.8l heads have more metal and seem to be better candidates for heads that are going to be flowed, have big valves put in, etc, etc. And as Mike said they are less prone to cracking due to the extra metal.