2500 TC has the wrong head ?

[johnnydog]

The engines look virtually identical unfortunately so it isn't as if it was a glaringly obvious oversight.
What type of carbs are fitted? An ME engine would originally have had Strombergs where as an MM engine should have SU HS6's fitted. If it has HS6's fitted then the inlet manifold will also be correct for a MM engine, but if Strombergs from the ME engine are still on it the inlet manifold has been changed, so you would need an inlet manifold and HS6's for the replacement engine. You could be lucky and get the carbs etc already on a replacement engine!
From your point of view, I would also be tempted to check that it has a 3.45 diff, if so, then try to source a good 2500 engine and then the car will be back to what it should be. I doubt the diff will have been changed when the engine was replaced and head changed, hence the lack lustre performance.
Everything else will fit both models, so it's just the engine and carbs. If it's a manual a 2500 should have a 1" clutch slave cylinder whereas a 2000 has a 7/8" but again, I doubt that will have been changed when the engine was done.
Sounds a bit daunting, but depending on what ancilleries are fitted, it may not be too much of an issue - the engine being the main item to source!

[johnnydog]

The other consolation is that a good body is far more valuable than the mechanicals - engines etc can be replaced a lot more cheaply than metalwork!

[tadge44]

The car has SU HS6 carbs.

My experience points up the need to check engine and chassis numbers against the V5 before purchase.

For the time being, as the car starts, idles and drives pretty well as well as cruising easily in OD at 70mph I shall hold off on changing the engine.

Buying a used engine will involve at least a strip and rebuild if not machining and then it all starts to get a bit expensive.

I am 75 and getting to the stage where changing engines is becoming an effort,especially big 6 cylinder ones as I am used to little A series !

The car really is very nice and clearly has had a lot of money spent on it.I have fitted Alfa 156 seats in leather which match the velour rear seats and the fact that my wife loves it means I shan,t be selling it any time soon.

Thanks to everyone who has offered advice and information.

[johnnydog]

Time then to just drive it and enjoy the experience of a Big Six!

[tadge44]

Just thinking ahead perhaps. I believe the 2000 and 2500 have the same rods and block so is it possible to insert a 2500 crankshaft in a 2000 ?

[sahtuning2000]

Long shot,but it was mentioned this was a head fitted to South African cars,this car isn,t a 2500 TC Chicane is it?built in S.A for CKD kits?

[Mike Stevens]

Just thinking ahead perhaps. I believe the 2000 and 2500 have the same rods and block so is it possible to insert a 2500 crankshaft in a 2000 ?

And pistons. Assuming the rods are the same, the gudgeon pin hole on a 2.5 piston is closer to the crown than on a 2000. By about half the extra crank throw!

Later 2000 and 2.5 blocks were the same but earlier ones were not. However, the earlier 2000 blocks were very early so that should not be a problem. The difference was a wider block to allow for the greater crank throw.

Cheers,
Mike.

[tadge44]

Interesting thought SAHtuning

Can I establish the engine capacity without stripping it,ignoring the engine number of course which MIGHT have been doctored but unlikely IO would have thought.

I have the opportunity to buy an S engine but the thought of changing an engine makes me sag at the knees _ Any offers ?

[Charles H]

Changing the engine is probably as easy or easier than changing a head!

[tadge44]

In that case Charles may I invite you for a long weekend holiday (!)with all entertainment and food provided so that you can show me how ?