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Thanks for the response. So if I read correctly the head is exactly the same as a 5m (minus egr) and using it on that motor would not cause me problems. The only differences deal with the lower end. So I would also take it that the 5m and 6m share the same hg but the rear seal would be the same as a 7m.
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No problem...

And yes, in fact, I am using a 5M head on my 6M block right now. Exactly the same, as far as I can tell. I forgot to mention seal differences... you will need the front main seal from a 7M, but the rear seal appeared to be the same, so I used one from a 5M. Head gasket is the same.
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I wonder if one could use the 7m head on a 6m block?
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you could, but you would have to change pistons so the valve reliefs matched. Really, this would be the same as a 7M, so you might as well use the whole thing, unless you just happen to have a spare 7M head laying around.
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If the torque band is better why havent those in search of power tried a 6m swap in their mkiii. Thsi might appear to be stupid questions but I am just curious.
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Do you mean a MkII? If so, then more and more people on the Yahoo list are doing just that. If you do mean a MkIII, then I don't see why people would do that, because as far as I know, the 7M puts out more power than the 6M, due to the 24 valve head.
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I have to replace a head on a low mileage 5m and have a 6m on the way. I am wondering if I should just use the head off the 6m on the 5m and then keep the 6m block for a later project.
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Sounds good to me, because I had to have the 6M worked on before I put it in the car. We got most of the engine apart, and then checked out the cylinder walls. Though most of them were shiny and pretty (you could still see a good amount of the factory hone marks), there was a good sized spot in the #4 cylinder wall that was water damaged. Looked like just discoloration, til I ran my fingernail over it, and it caught a little. So, I took it to a machine shop and had them hone it, re-ring it, and install all new bearings. The bearings still looked good, but these motors have been sitting for years, and you might as well change em. Another thing the guy noticed was that some of the piston rings were quite stuck to the pistons.
so my recommendation is to go ahead and stick that 6M head on the 5M, and re-work the 6M block in your spare time. Keep the EGR blocker plate and the intake, and then stick them on whenever you get around to playing with the 6M. But that's just me
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One more thing, are the head bolts the same as the ones on the 7m? Cause if so I wouldnt reuse them. If they are different then maybe. Thanks for your time and tolerance
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Since the head is the same as on a 5M, 5M head bolts are required. I got all 14 from Jeff Watson (see the "parts" page here if you have not talked to him before) for $35 or so. Just don't forget to order new washers as well, I did! hehehe. For that much, it's cheap insurance.
glad to help
Vern