AS Telstar with Cracked Head

My 87 AS Telstar GL has a suspeced cracked head.

Yes the car is old, and vertually worthless... but, it's running smoothly (even with crack) and is generaly a good car.

Im not sure weather to have the head replaced <which will probably reveal other problems>, have the motor replaced, or give up.

Will a TX5 (non turbo) head or engine fit?
I understand that the engine mounts for the GL are the same as TX5's?
If so do you know of any problems when droping the TX5 motor, into a GL body? What are the options?

I have no problems getting parts (or motors) cheap, but fitting is another matter. ...and I dont want to spend too much.

Any informed assistance would be helpful.

Thanks

[Steve_T]

This reply is a bit late but it's the first time I've ventured to these parts of the forums Anyway, if you're still monitoring...

Telstars are a great car (my old man has an AR TX5 which I have driven lots over the years). Don't take the 'give up' option ;) I'd start by pulling the head off - you say _suspected_ cracked head - maybe you'll find it's only a gasket - they are a very reliable motor and I can't imagine 'em cracking heads under any normal circumstances. If it's gasket it's a cheap and easy fix. If it is a head, get a head reco'd or maybe just from a wreckers etc. and fit it. I doubt it'd have any other serious problems for you to find - my Dad's AR still runs nice and compression test shows all cylinders still withing factory spec after 320,000+ kms and even being run overheated once or twice etc!

AFAIK there is no difference in the engine bay between TX5 and GL - just different bodies - but I'm not sure how different things were in AS compared to AR. Should be no probs though - get a Gregorys manual and make sure.

Oh - why do you suspect cracked head anyway and what tests etc. have you done to confirm?

If you have some basic tools and mechanical knowledge (or mates with such assets - then all you need is beer! ) then get a Gregorys manual and do it yourself - they are easy motors to work on. I'd be happy to help with more advice etc. but I'll wait to hear from you first.

Steve.