MN47, worthwhile, junk, or somewhere inbetween?

[2sixTZombii]

OK, I know for what ever reason the MN47 head is very controversial subject in the Z community. I know of a 81 Maxima being parted put in my town. And I plan to do a mild warm up of my L26 in my near future. rebuilt SUs, electronic ignition, exhaust, cam and a mildly ported head, is kind of the basic plan I'm thinking right now. something that'll be a bit quicker but can still be driven every day, that plan could very likely change fast, but we'll have to see. I searched a ton about it last night, and I found everything from its awful to it's the best L series head availible stock. I doubt either are true. We have a very old very reputable head shop here in town where Im sure I could take it and have some simple work done, as necessary. I plan to use the stock L6 block without even pulling it. So what I want to know is, could I use this on my car and have a good solid performance mod out of it? I certainly don't mind running 91 strictly, it's actually what I run now anyway, but will I end up with too much compression for a daily driven engine? I've heard its good for an L24 but bad for an L28 what about my L26? I really can't find very much solid info about it, and was hoping some people who actually have run one might be able to offer advice, or at least some people that really know these engines. As I said I plan to daily this car, I don't want godawful MPGs but I don't expect anything too great either. I want some more power but don't want to set the world on fire. I am willing to have work done to the head if it fits my bill well.Mostly just want a quick daily driver.

[er34gtt2000jp]

I run a MN47 head on my stock L24 and it is GREAT! Higher compression (running L24 flat top pistons) and more modern chamber design. I can run full 17 deg base timing and dont get any ping on California 91 pump gas. Your L26 block should already be notched for the larger valves (same as in the late E88) so this will be a direct bolt on and upgrade IMHO. They are prone to cracking between valves though due to the exhaust port liners so watch for that. But if you get a good one I would run it as a DD for sure! I would use the E88 or an Internally oiled cam from 280Z motor instead of the L24E (Maxima) cam though. The L24E cam has slightly less lift than the early L24 or later L28 cams do. But I am running the Maxima cam in my car and it performs well, just not 100% of what it could be if I had a better cam.

[Zed Head]

For the money spent, installing a complete L28 will probably get you more power. More displacement + bigger valves = more power. It's the same general concept that leads to stroked engines, but you can get a stock L28 for a lot less money. Just a thought.

[2sixTZombii]

For the money spent, installing a complete L28 will probably get you more power. More displacement + bigger valves = more power. It's the same general concept that leads to stroked engines, but you can get a stock L28 for a lot less money. Just a thought.

Maybe, I considered trying to source an L28 and build it while I drive the L26, or even a stock turbo motor. More than anything this was mostly because I'm curious about this head and how it might function for me, or anyone really. I fear the owner may want a whole engine price for just the head, So I'm not sure if its even an option, but I will try to score cheap rear disc brackets from this car.

[madkaw]

I'd grab it if it's any good and cheap. You can always resell it to someone else. It would be an excellent choice if you decide to use it.

[er34gtt2000jp]

+1 ^^^