Thanks a lot. I'll give it a try. I know that I should be able to at least get a smoother transition.

I know you helped me and I'm pretty sure you helped others looking at the number of reads here.

Dog

Money is always a problem.
I couldn't find the cross section of the head in the Tech section. Can you pinpoint it for me?

I'd like to see if I can use the Heads I now have. I believe that the A12a and the round port A14 heads are the same heads. I pulled the A12a head off of the Nissan remanufactored A12a and the undersides are identical . The casting numbers on the a12a are 728 and 406 and on the A14 990 and 409. There are no other numbers on them.

A better head could be something I can do once I have the car running, but I'm now looking for a transmission and then I have
boby parts to purchase.

thanks for your help.
Dog

there are some good pics on the site showing an A series head cross section, that will give you an idea on how far you can go on the ports. Ideally I suppose it would be better to get an oval port head if money isn't the issue.

So my options are?
1) get a GX head
2) Can I machine my A12a/A14 round port head a little to so that there is a smooth transition from the oval port manifold to the round port instead of a brick wall with a round port at the bottom?
3) swap/purchase my oval port manifold for a round port one?
4) I'm open to other options?
Dog

I wanted to make a real replica and was going to use a MG Midget 1275cc engine, but I got a good deal on an factory rebuilt A12a (1237cc). Im using a 1980 Toyota Corolla station wagon rear end, and like the original Lotus 7 a triumph front uprights(spitfire)

I'm looking for light and if I can get a good 100hp at a vehicle weight of 1000 lbs I'll be very happy. Most people over here are using the Toyota twin cam too, but Championmotor cars here in the states has made a Locost chassie to take Miata parts.
engine, a-arms, rear end..

dog

An A12 in a lotus 7, most people in NZ install a 4AGE from what I've seen, would be good to hear how it goes anyhow.

No problem, I was responding to JSwitzergt he seemed to have oval port heads.

I would consider a trade, but I'm putting my A12a into a Locost 7a replica (Lotus 7) which I believe on your side of the world you call a clubman. The manifold I have won't fit into a 1200 or a B210/210 because it is a little too long. I don't have a space problem while I've been told you guys with Datsun's would.

Dog

Sorry, I was refering to the manifold not the head. ( I knew what I was thinking )

Both of the heads I have the one on the A12a and the one I picked up on E-Bay (sold as an A14 head) don't have serial numbers. They do have numbers cast into them the A12a has 728 and 406, the A14 has 990 and 409.
Peter Z from Mo, said that the A14 should be able to be machined to match the manifold, I just have to do some work on the oiling from the A12a block. I guess you are saying the same that the A14 round port should be machinable. I'm going to pull the head off of the a12a this weekend so I can comapair the undersides of the heads to see if the one head is different and if the A14 is in fact an A14 one. I'd like to use itsince it seems to be a "New" head.

Where are you located in case I need an Oval port A14?

thanks,
Dog