I have an A14 in a Triumph Spitfire. It's been a great engine. I'd like a bit more power, for around-town driving, and after reading a bunch about heavily modifying the a14 or putting a supercharger on it (which I still might do) I started reading about the L18. It appears the block is only 4mm or so taller than the tall-deck A. A Spitfire is really, really small. There is about, maybe, 10mm of space between the hood and the oil fill cap on the valve cover, and I cut out and welded up an absolutely minimalist oil pan to get more clearance on the bottom.
So: what's the height of an L16/18, from the bottom of the oil pan to the top of the valve cover? Anyone know? I'm thinking from the higher part of the oil pan, not the sump, because if I were going to do this, the oil pan has to sit over part of the frame but I can make sure it's the highest point on the oil pan.
Any advice or numbers appreciated. I have another A14 sitting in the basement so I have measurements for it.
Thanks!

The block may be similar in height
But the overhead cam and rocker cover might put you abit high
I know when fitting them to a 1000 you have to lay them over a little if you expect them to clear a standard bonnet

Just turbo it

A14/A15 deck height 204.1 mm
L16/L18 deck height 207.85 mm

That's a 3.75 mm difference
valve cover is considerable taller to cover the OHC
ports are also considerable taller

yeah just turbo it. No need to modify pistons, rods, bolts or anything as the A14 is a tough one

easily double the HP of a stock-block A14. Or add supercharger, just remember to keep it cool so the engine lasts

if you are after an easier 5 speed then the L16 is a good engine
but fitment is better if you use an Na20e soch head which is the
evolution of the Z series heads which came after the L series.
The Na20 heads have roller rockers and like the Naps Z heads
sit 30-35mm lower than an L series head!

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail ... 2017115.56.2677413fOMwMmP




they have beaut chambers and easily accept Z18et turbo manifolds
even exhaust accepts ka24e turbo manifold with little work.

Alloy rocker cover too you can source complete head from NZ for cheap
or Japan to get a complete head but I recommend the chinese heads as
they are new, used throughout Asia to replace the Jap porous units
and combustion chambers are more efficient than original Jap design.
Asian taxis use these heads and the efficient chamber design came
about as Asian taxi companies needed further fuel savings.

Another engine you can consider if you find one is the
Toyota 2tc or 3tc engines. OHV but big bores 1.6-1.8L
puerto ricans got just over 800hp from them as they
are what Datsun folk dream of in the AY heads.
Hemi chambers, crossflow and beautiful design with 5 speed box
from factory, alloy rocker cover and great aftermarket parts

http://automotorpad.com/toyota/274673-toyota-2tc-motor.html

2.2 litre version also possible using toyota 4Y crankshaft!

I appreciate the advice. Putting a turbo on is a huge challenge because of space. (The engine compartment is really tiny.) If I put the alternator over on the intake/exhaust side and use an EDIS for ignition, I can just fit a small supercharger on the non-intake side.
Presumably like the Z head, the NA head bolts onto (with some modifications like a swapped cam belt cover plate) the L-series block?
3.5mm deck height isn't the problem: it's the head and valve cover.
From pictures, it looks like I could possibly use a jackshaft with the larger pulley that drives the cam on it, and then a small pulley on the end of the cam, so that would allow a custom valve cover, but ugh that's a lot of work and reduced reliability.

If it's any help I'm backing away from running an A15 in my car so I could send you an A15 crank. Additionally I have some used 76.5mm forged pistons but I'm not sure you want forged pistons in a street car. I've also got a set of bike carbs (off an FZR 1000)if it helps you any. You'd need to pony up for the shipping.

The Z head is almost 2 inches shorter if not more so thats a bit more than 3.5mm :)
However you could slant an L series and yes the Z head bolts easily onto the L with
the front cover section etc.

Im sure you could fit most Nissan engines considering this fella below with an L6
http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/ ... re-with-425hp-nissan.html

Matt just reminded me recently of a 2.2 litre ohv crossflow engine
that is smaller than the L series and Z series and more of the
size of a ca18de but narrower. The chevy ATK its a beauty!
easy for t5 boxes also and heaps of aftermarket even a stroker
2.34 kit, cheap 264 degree camshafts and tube maps

Keep it real, keep it all Nissan