8v - go hydro or solid?

[jdbubb@ix.netcom.com (Dan Bubb)]

My understanding is that the ports are no different between the solid or
hydro non-cross flow heads.
Low end torque is definitely NOT lacking with the 40mm intakes, but top
end is hurting alittle unless the head is ported and you're using at
least a G grind. I would definitely use 40mm intakes on a 2.0 L.
My experience with the solid lifter head is that once the clearances are
set they are almost good for life. PITA to set up initially, but not
much maintenance after that.
Dan

> Jeff Toomasson wrote:
> 
> After talking to Brian MacGarvey about his GX/ABA hybrid, I was
> curious what everyone else thinks...
> 
> The hydro head (GX has 38mm valves in Brian's case) offers the
> flexibility of not having to do those PITA cam shims and with smaller
> valves gives more low end. The problem is I don't have one right now.
> 
> The Solid JH head, which I currently have, has 40mm valves and, as we
> all know, requires shims.
> 
> Either way I would have to re-condition/re-build the head when I
> install it on the ABA. I'll probably at least port-match and deck it
> as well.
> 
> Do any of the hydro heads offer better/worse intake/exhaust ports or
> other advantages over the JH? Are the hydro heads any easier/harder to
> re-build (or I should say more effort required - I've rebuilt a
> solid-lifter head before)? I'm pretty sure I can get a used one for
> way under a $100 around here...
> 
> In addition, getting another head provides less down-time for the
> cabby and allows me to assemble the engine completely in advance...
> 
> Thanks in advance -
> 
> Jeff
> _______
> 
> '86.5 Scirocco 16v 2.0 (roc #5)
> '84 Rabbit Convertible (cabby #2)
> '00 4-Runner sport pkg.
> AIM ID: Sixteen Viagras