LE Stands for "Leading edge", another development of Hoffman Automotive machine and Raby's Aircooled Technology! These heads are members are the newest generation of proven cylinder heads for the VW/ Porsche Type 4 engine. All "LE" series heads feature full CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining techniques. CNC technology enhances repeatability between ports and chambers and therefore boosts efficiency all while reducing overall costs and allowing more performance! If it sounds like a dream, wake up and realize this is reality brought to you by the team at Aircooled Technology!

ALL CYLINDER HEADS BASED FROM 100% NEW HEAD CASTINGS! WE DO NOT "REBUILD" ANY 30 YEAR OLD CYLINDER HEADS! All heads feature our pedigreed "no drop seat" upgrades along with the highest quality valves, springs, retainers, guides and hardware. We literally "Rebuild" brand new cylinder heads to meet our expectations! For more general information about our Type 4 cylinder head product line please see the "General cylinder head information pages".

Frequently asked questions about these heads, answered:

The LE 160 IS compatible with stock D and L Jetronic EFI systems when used on engines up to,, but not exceeding 2056cc.

The LE 160 DOES work well with otherwise 100% stock engines that need extra grunt at low RPM. This is due to their port arrangements and especially the benefits of the relocated spark plugs.

The LE 160 Does NOT work well with stock camshafts for super low end power.

The LE 160 is available (special order) for original 1700cc engines that have RETAINED THEIR 90mm bore size. The LE 160 will also bolt onto 2056cc engines with their 96mm bore size and was originally designed to work best with our "Camper Special" Turn key engines using electronic fuel injection.  A variant of the LE-160 is also used in our "Super 2 Liter" Turn key engine that is designed for super fuel economy and extreme drivability.

The LE 160 is NOT recommended for engines larger than 2056cc.

The LE 160 does feature relocated spark plugs and the plug holes are reduced to 12mm from 14mm to provide a stronger combustion chamber that resists cracks related to overheating.

The LE 160 has benefited from valve seat upgrades to eliminate dropped valve seats and related issues.

The LE 160 does NOT utilize the stock head gaskets as original. These heads are set up to eliminate issues with these gaskets, per the VW Bulletin released in 1981.

The LE 160 cylinder head offers the least overall port volume of all our "leading edge" cylinder heads, but offers superior port velocity! This incredible port velocity makes this cylinder head extremely effective with enhancing the drivability and efficiency of smaller engines- that's what it was designed for. The LE 160 is the head of choice for my Camper Special engines and my "Super 2 Liter" combinations. The LE 160 couples  a CNC 160 CFM intake port to a CNC 110 CFM exhaust port and works extremely well with a nice RAT camshaft (please see our camshaft pages for more info on selecting a camshaft)

The LE 160 is the smallest of our heads that benefit from our plug relocation process that moves the spark plug  to the angle normally only fund on the rare Porsche 914 2 Liter heads. This plug relocation, in our testing has proven to reduce engine temperatures and provide a more efficient burn for better MPG all while making about 8% more power than the conventional plug location. This one upgrade is what separates this head from the other heads that can also do a similar job, the 7416 and 7424, neither of which are a member of our "LE" line up.

As with all of our cylinder heads the LE 160 receives the best components and labor that can be supplied. All our cylinder heads feature updated valve seats, guides, springs and retainers and are sold 100% complete and ready to install onto your Type 4 engine. Please note that rocker arm assemblies and valve covers are not supplied with our cylinder heads, but they are available separately through our retail store.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Technical specifications for the RAT LE 160 cylinder heads:

Head casting type- NEW 1.7/ 2.0L Bus castings (1.7 castings special order)

Combustion chamber shape- 1.7/ 2.0L bus, non modified

Combustion chamber volume- 50cc+/- (excellent for 7.5-9"1 engines according to engine displacement and application)

Spark plug location- 2.0 914 location. Plug relocated from conventional location to promote efficiency and chamber strength.

Spark plug diameter- 12mm (for added camber strength)

Valve sizes- 40mm Intake/ 34mm Exhaust

Port work- Fully CNC machined intake and exhaust ports designed for hi velocity!

Valve type- Stainless Steel

Valve Springs- RAT single heavy duty. Will control valves to 6,500 RPM +/- dependant upon camshaft and valve train mass.

Valve spring pressures- 215#@ .500 lift/ 120# seated

Retainers- Chromoly steel

Intake manifold pattern- original 4 stud pattern, no alterations made. Port matched manifolds are not included in the price. Installer is responsible for port matching manifolds.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to learn more about the LE 160 cylinder heads please follow this link to our retail store where you may submit a question about this component, or add it to your cart or wish list for immediate or future purchase.

Click here to visit the LE 160 at The Type 4 Store

Please note that most cylinder heads are not kept in stock. Please allow 4-8 weeks for most cylinder head orders to be completed . Good components take time to create, and cylinder heads can't be rushed through their processes- we refuse to allow the calendar get in our way of offering the best cylinder heads for the Type 4 engine! All cylinder head orders MUST be paid for in full at the time of the order.