I know this is a long shot but thought I'd ask on here with all the experience there is.
I have a 4wd set up on my car 4wd thermostat, water pump and pipes. I have just had to replace engine and I managed to get a 205 block and 2wd head. The head has 2 bolt holes for the thermostat housing, these holes do line up with the 4wd housing but that will leave one not secure. Has anyone done this before or will it work as don't want to buy either a later head or replace pump, hoses and thermostat if I can help it
Many thanks

 

A 4wd head wont work on a 2wd block just like that. Think its to do with the compression ratios or something along those lines

 

@cosworthguy - 4wd head does work on 2wd block as I have that set up in my car.

But that's not what the OP has asked.

@motormel - is yr car 2wd or 4wd?

cheeRS

 

Car is a 4wd car

 

Sorry I don't know how much help I can be then. I've done it the other way round in a 2wd car, so 2wd stat on 4wd head and that is fine.

cheeRS

 

That's no worries mate, thanks for input. The 2 bolts on the head line up with 2 of the holes for the 4wd thermostat so in theory it'll have the same 'tension' across the thermostat as the 2wd one

 

For what it's worth, my opinion - and it is just that - would be it would not be sufficiently mounted.

4wd stat is a different shape to 2wd one, and it goes both left and right as opposed to just right as you look at it. In my mind, the hoses attached on both sides will put more pressure and vibrations on the stat than the single hose on 2wd. Therefore increasing the potential risk of leaks if not bolted on and sealed well enough.

And besides, if it didn't need the 3rd mounting point why would Ford/Cosworth change the design? Not worth the risk in my opinion.

Maybe the easiest way would be to have a thread drilled into the 2wd head? Not certain this is possible but would seem logical. Ask an engine builder for their advice as you may risk hitting a water jacket etc. And not worth ruining an engine over a stat housing.

cheeRS

 

Yes mate a 4wd stat housing will fit ok on a 2wd head as thats the set-up I have.

 

That's great news thanks mate.

 

I wouldn't use a 205 block for 4wd application as the extra weight of the transmission... The 200 block was stronger for this reason.

 

The 4wd stat needs a 3 bolt hole 2wd to work, so it won't fir on your 2 bolt hole head.

 

Even with the 2wd gasket and the 2 bolts? Oh well if the concencus is a no no I will listen, just need to get 2wd water pump thermostat and hoses now then

 

The header tank is different too, as is the metal pipe on the radiator, so these will need changing too. It would seem to me, a cheaper option would be to see if the 3rd hole can be drilled in? Just a thought.

cheeRS

 

I've never seen a 4wd fitted with just 2 bolts? I'm not sure it would seal properly?

 

I fitted an rs500 pump and housing to my 3 door with 2 bolt head about 10 years ago, used 2wd gasket and secured with only 2 bolts never been a problem and never leaked. I fitted it to get the improved impeller pump and water circulating when thermostat closed. So as 4wd set up very similar I can't see a problem.

 

as mat says a 205 block will be at risk of cracking if run as a 4x4 the 200 4x4 block was redisigned for the extra stress put on the block by the 4x4 transmission and having a diff bolted to it

 

if you do use a 2wd water pump you will have to us 2wd housing

 

Mines set up with a 2wd head and 4x4 thermostat, only 2 bolts holding it in, it seems to be working fine