s13 head on s14 blocks- fail every time? help!

[tastyratz]

so I talked to a friend who had put an s13 head on his s14 ka bottom end. He told me he had a failure within a few months. I know of another guy who did the same thing and had oil related engine failure. When I talked to my first friend hes telling me it seems common that they fail and he knows of a half dozen motors that didn't make it over 10k miles.

Is there any input on this? My s14 needs a head swap and I can source a beautiful s13 head but now hes got me scared. Does anyone here have the swap long term that can confirm anything personally or have any input as to why I am hearing this??? My cars down at the shop with the head ripped off right now and I was going to get another head this afternoon! Im really in a jam with this
:-(

[civilized_drifter]

it might be that oil ports are diffrent between the s14 and s14 ka's but im not reall shure on that, just save your self the trobble and source out a s14 head on craigslist or the local junk yard. good luck with fixing your car

[lilredstiffy]

heads are interchangeable

i have an s13 block with s14 head currently.

just need to use proper front covers and valve cover. and whichever dist your harness is set up for.

logically an engine failing 'long-term' 'around 10k' doesn't make sense to me. from day 1 fire up the engine is either properly lubricated/proper oil pressure or not.

[projectRDM]

Your friends aren't doing something right. I've done several mixed set engines, no issues. Just use the corresponding valve cover and upper timing cover.

[gotta240]

i haven't had a problem. had a s14 block w/ s13 head. Beat the shit out of it and had no known oil problems.

[tastyratz]

I did some more research and dug into it yesterday.
2 known engine failures were true, 3rd was incorrect:

kaje - detonation on ka-t that was a co-incidence after the swap. Probably a bad tank of gas.
aceinhole - oiling problems led to bearing failure sending a rod through the block

jeff at 240sxmotoring - incorrect - 10k race miles on the engine going strong still.

conclusion? I purchased myself the rebuilt s13 head for 160 shipped with needed covers and bolts yesterday. Thanks for input though guys! I wanted to dispell possible doubts before going ahead and doing this but it looks perfectly fine.

[Viet-Tam]

Check this link out it might help with you answer.

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=154583&highlight=S13+EXHAUST+CAMS