Pre-1983 2.6 engine rebuild

Every website that offers 2.6 engine rebuild kits claims that it is for engines after 1983. Will these kits work for a 1981? If not what changed?

The pre 1983 g54b motors actually came 2 different ways. From what I remember you have a "narrow block" that was mounted to the automatic transmissions, and a "Wide block" that is more similar to the later year g54b's....
Pennyman has the exact years and fit memorized. maybe we can get him to weigh in to clarify.

Thanks for the quick reply. The pickup has a manual transmission so I am guessing long block but I have no clue.

All 2.6 manual motors are wide blocks all years. The main difference is in the layout of the intake studs on the head - up to 82 is one style, 83 - 89 is the other style. Your 81 will be the early style head. To identify the head style, look to the right of the thermostat on the head - if it has 2 bolts, it is an early style, 1 bolt is later style. All replacement heads I have seen are the later style heads. The later heads run with flat top pistons, early style heads run dished pistons. If you get the 83 up gasket set, just buy the intake gasket separately - they are on ebay. Also replace the head bolts - they are torque to yield and cannot be reused.

Thanks Pennyman1. If my head ends up being cracked do I need to get a new style head and pistons?

Pistons will not be needed. All you are doing is the head.
There is also this option.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin...On-A-G54B-2-6L

Thanks and I meant if I found the head was cracked when I rebuild the engine.

if you get the new head you will need the later intake manifold