Hilux engine change from 2L to 3L

[xenophon1]

Hi, I need an experts advice .
As seen in the pics the 3L head has 6 holes that the 2L block dose not have.
1. are they water passages?
2. Do I need to drill the block before assembly?

Thanks Jacob

 

[roscoFJ73]

Are you changing engines or just trying to put a 3L head on a 2L?

 

[xenophon1]

Originally had a 2L I changed it to 3L .
(3L engines are not available here)

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I've seen a few cylinder head's like that on 2LTEs. None of the 2LTE blocks have holes there as far as I know. So don't worry about it; just use it as is. Make sure you have a thick enough head gasket to suit piston protrusion though. Many 2L/3L engines have met their demise from wrong headgasket thickness (valves hit pistons and take out bearings). Also, use the 2L head gasket to keep coolant from eroding the block through the holes.

 

[TOPacifica]

Hi - Old thread, but wanted to add info:
I am doing research for a 3L head gasket and there are 3 thickness options. I found this and just wanted to share it for anyone needing this info as @GTSSportCoupe refers to. I had someone do this work and suspect they did not select right head gasket for my 3L and poof, its gone. :-(
This screenshot expains how to ID the correct gasket based on the notches