1980 Arrow - differences in head and head gasket?

I just picked up a sweet 1980 Plymouth Arrow. It is all original, 85k miles, and in great shape...except for a cracked head.


I have looked for parts all over and I've found that the '79 and '80 trucks have a different head and the head gasket.

I would like to replace the head, but the '79-'80 head isn't available. Does anyone know what the differences are between this head and the '82-'88 head are? Can I use the stock intake and exhaust? Are there differences in the water inlets, etc...?

Any help would be great, I am struggling to find out what the story is. I would like to keep this truck all stock.

I'm not too familiar with the 1st generation trucks and engines, but ask on mightyram50.net(tell it DroppedMitsu referred you when you register) and you'll get an answer pretty quick. Theres quite a few 1st gen guys over there that know there stuff.

Hi loyter,

I assume you are talking about the 2.0 liter engine.

First, find your engine identification number. It should be on the passenger side of the engine block. It should be one of the following.

G52B 2.0 liter engine, from 79-82, with 2 timing chains, valve spacing unknown
G63B 2.0 liter engine, from 83-89, with 2 timing belts, paired intake and exhaust valves
G54B 2.6 liter engine, from 79-90, with 2 timing chains, evenly spaced intake and exhaust valves

Starting in 83, the original 2.0 liter (G52B) was replaced with the 2.0 liter (G63B) engine. Engine differences are:

The original engine block was longer and 44 pounds heavier.
The crankshafts have different number and type of counterweights.
The balance shafts locations in the block are different.

Given this facts, I would assume that no parts will interchange between the 2.0 liter engines.

Hope this helps, John

He has a g54b(2.6l)

Yes, sorry I didn't mention it, but I do have the g54b 2.6l.

I have a 79 2.6 and it also had a cracked head when I got it so Ive been down that road. Apparently its a common problem for the early design heads to crack.

I went through 3 heads from the junkyard (all ended up being cracked) until I lucked out and found one from an 88 that had been sitting for a year or so at the machine shop never payed for and picked up.

I think it was 1981 when they changed the heads. The newer heads will bolt up just fine to your engine block. The problem is with the exhaust and intake manifolds. They changed the bolt patterns on the head.

So if you get a 81 or newer head you will need to snag the exhaust and intake manifolds. I found mine at the junkyard off an 88-89 Dodge Raider and the gaskets at O'reilly auto parts.

Oh and changing the exhaust manifold allowed me to remove the catalitic convertor. A quick weld at the muffler shop and yer off. Hope that helps.