Mr Pointyhead replied:

It will make a very large difference in performance. I would leave it on but ensure you check the condition of the Turbo. Then ensure you get it reset-up by someone that knows what they are doing, and that the turbo is setup for reliability.

Hairs (NSW) replied:

To start with I would let people know where abouts ya are.
That way people who live near or have had dealings with people near you might be able to refer you to somebody.

Gotta start somewhere.

Member - DOZER replied:

J&M
Get the head fixed, leave the turbo on, but have the mechanic install in the exhaust manifold a EGT gauge, and drive the cruiser to the maximum temperature of 600 pre turbo. If you have a std exhaust system, have a 3 inch straight through system made to suit (beaudesert exhaust sell them) alternately, there is a dump pipe fopr sale on www.lcool.org that you may be interested in....both will reduce heat to the new head, and it is pretty common for the head of a 1hz to crack if overstressed with heat....it will be interesting to hear what caused you to put it in to the mechanics, did it miss or loose comp or start leaking water???
Andrew

madfisher replied:

Just bare in mind that a normally aspirated ihz will do arround a million ks if properly serviced. Mate has a standard 80 with the mods you are thinking of and I was surprised how well it went.
Cheers Pete

tonysmc replied:

I would contact "All Head Services" in melbourne and get them to send a brand new head up to Darwin. I did this a number of years ago and the price was heaps cheaper than getting it repaired in Darwin and being a brand new head you know you will not have any troubles as you may with a repaired one. I have no connections with this company, just found them excellent to deal with.
Tony.

GerryP replied:

All good advice above. I would leave the turbo on and fit an EGT. However, one other thing I would definitely have done is the injectors. If they are not atomising properly, that may well have been part of the reason for your cracked head problem in the first place.
Cheers
Gerry

Matt(WA) replied:

As everyone else has said, leave the turbo on and replace/renew the head. I have had two 80's. Current one is turbo and intercooled. Previous was NA, extractors, 2 1/2" exhaust and diesel gas. The turbo is a lot better than the old beast. Once you have had your head done, make sure the valves are shimmed correctly. Fit a egt and get the car dyno tuned. At full noise with a EGT fitted between head and turbo your temps should be under 600degc as stated above. Ian from thremogaurd who advertises on here sells an excellent EGT Thermoguard No affiliation just an extremely satisfied customer. Hope this helps.
Matt

kiwicol replied:

While the heads of put the turbo in for a recon as well do the job properly first time, will save money in the long run. You will not be able to fit extractors but a 2.5 inch exhaust will add benefits . I would also be puttig the radiator in to be cleaned and if need be replaced, this can be a cause why the head cracked, overheating is a big issue. Also check the fan clutch as this will add to lack of cooling, my past experiences by replacing silicone in the clutch is a short term solution. Col

Member - Raazorj (QLD) replied:

Hi I was in darwin working few years ago subcontracting to a bunch of greek dudes good blokes (a cuz). one had cruiser ute 4.2 got his tricked up in Winnellie went really good.