VL Head replacement

[toranamike]

Hi Guys,

We removed the head on a 6-cyl 88 VL and had it pressure tested – and it can't be re-used.

Any advice about buying a good one from the wreckers; what to look for, etc?
Is the 86-90 Skyline head exactly the same?
Is a re-co head a better way to go?

Also, on the VRS, it says to replace the head bolts – is that necessary?

Thanks.

[Nackerz]

Hey bud go for a r31 skyline rb30 head, people say these ones are less likely too crack etc etc...but in saying that i have never had a problem with the vl rb30 heads....each to there own i guess

[Sabbath']

Hey bud go for a r31 skyline rb30 head, people say these ones are less likely too crack etc etc...but in saying that i have never had a problem with the vl rb30 heads....each to there own i guess

Are they saying that due to the design of the head, or the design of the cooling system in the VL, best to be specific when giving advice.

[Nackerz]

there both the same design and cooling system....i have heard that the skyline heads are just better dont know why tho...


but if u bleed the cooling system correct in a vl u shouldnt have any problems

[detox_nath83]

and yes replace head bolts you can get them for $80 from Auto 1 the set
torque them up correctly 2.
why cant the head be used again, did he tell you why??

[nasty1]

try sprints they do new head bolts for$40 or they sell them new on ebay $39 for a set

[Dangerous Dave]

there both the same design and cooling system....i have heard that the skyline heads are just better dont know why tho...
but if u bleed the cooling system correct in a vl u shouldnt have any problems

Isn't the radiator in the VL lower than the Skyline and one of the major reasons why the heads go in the VL.. Air finding its way to the highest point of the cooling system ??

[Sabbath']

Isn't the radiator in the VL lower than the Skyline and one of the major reasons why the heads go in the VL.. Air finding its way to the highest point of the cooling system ??

Correct.

Nackerz, you contradicted yourself. If they are the same design and cooling system, then how can one be better than the other?

[Nackerz]

the heads are the same yes....i didnt say that the radiators are at different levels.....

and i was just told that the skyline heads are better then the vl heads...

but like i said if you bleed it properly u shouldnt have a problem

[Paiste402]

i thought RB30's were RB30's. its like Buick V6's, just cause they are in another car doesnt make them different as an engine as to ones in america (until holden played with them that is lol)

[Jezza]

well i heard that my car had a head problem 2 owner ago and the took it to my mechanic (funny enough) and he put a skyline head on it and it hasnt had problems since

[detox_nath83]

ITS THE SAME HEAD fellas in both cars its an RB30 its just the position of the rad which can make it a problem as the highest point will lose water first meaning the head on a vl as the low sleek design of the front...
Like Nackerz has stated bleed it properly and will not have a problem. if there was gonna be a major problem in fabrication/design it would have not have gone ahead.

[Commydoor]

exerpt from Wikipedia

This motor was produced for the use in Skylines, Patrols and Cefiros, and rights bought by Holden because the Holden 202 (3.3 L) powering the Holden Commodore could no longer satisfy tightening emissions requirements, and with all new cars required to run on unleaded petrol by 1986, a quick replacement was needed. Nissan Motor Co. sold the RB30E to Holden for the VL Commodore. The RB30E in the VL suffered from cylinder head cracking due to the radiator being fitted lower in the engine bay, causing air locks in the cylinder head. This was not as severe in R31 Skyline as the radiator is mounted higher. The engine proved to be very reliable apart from this issue. The RB30S was found in some Middle Eastern R31 Skylines and in some Nissan Patrols. The RB30E was found in R31 Skylines and VL Commodores in Australia as well as in South African R31 Skylines (with 126 kW @ 5000 rpm and 260 Nm @ 3500 rpm)