Lots of head gasket replacement questions
05-01-2007, 05:06 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chandler, AZ
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Lots of head gasket replacement questions
I've decided to try to replace my head gasket myself, since I can't afford to have a mechanic do it. Since I've never done anything nearly this complicated before, I'm going to have a ton of questions, so I hope you all don't mind. 
1) From what I've read on here, I need to buy a new set of head bolts, as the ones currently on there are not reusable, correct? If so, should I buy GM replacements or something else?
2) As far as gaskets are concerned, can I just buy whatever they have at Checker, or are certain brands better than others?
3) I've read Shoebox's cam removal guide, so I generally know how to take everything apart. I'm assuming I don't need to do the disassembly of the front of the engine since I'm not actually removing the cam, right?
4) This may sound stupid, but keep in mind I've never done this before: do I need to remove the valve springs, rocker arms, etc. from the head, or can I just remove the head with everything still assembled?
This is just the beginning, by the way, there should be plenty more once I get started...
1) From what I've read on here, I need to buy a new set of head bolts, as the ones currently on there are not reusable, correct? If so, should I buy GM replacements or something else?
2) As far as gaskets are concerned, can I just buy whatever they have at Checker, or are certain brands better than others?
3) I've read Shoebox's cam removal guide, so I generally know how to take everything apart. I'm assuming I don't need to do the disassembly of the front of the engine since I'm not actually removing the cam, right?
4) This may sound stupid, but keep in mind I've never done this before: do I need to remove the valve springs, rocker arms, etc. from the head, or can I just remove the head with everything still assembled?
This is just the beginning, by the way, there should be plenty more once I get started...
05-01-2007, 05:12 PM
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,173
1) Yes you need new head bolts. i would get the ARP ones they are only $65.00 from summit.
2) Goto a chevy dealer and get the head gaskets for a 5.7L LT1 Impala. they are alittle thinner and wil give you more compression.
3) Yup, the front end you can leave alone. you will have to take the power steering pump loose to get out the one bolt, but you can leave the lines attached.
4) You can leave the springs and valves alone, but you will remove the rockers and pushrods. Make sure you only loosen the rockers that aren't open to any extent. Shoebox's web site has instructions about that.
2) Goto a chevy dealer and get the head gaskets for a 5.7L LT1 Impala. they are alittle thinner and wil give you more compression.
3) Yup, the front end you can leave alone. you will have to take the power steering pump loose to get out the one bolt, but you can leave the lines attached.
4) You can leave the springs and valves alone, but you will remove the rockers and pushrods. Make sure you only loosen the rockers that aren't open to any extent. Shoebox's web site has instructions about that.
05-01-2007, 05:21 PM
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05-01-2007, 05:31 PM
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05-01-2007, 05:34 PM
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05-01-2007, 05:44 PM
#10
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Posts: 202
As long as you use the same head bolts in the same thread hole, and the same head, you should be fine
And as for the thinner gasket, can't you get a thinner fel-pro gasket that would do just the same but would higher quality?
And as for the thinner gasket, can't you get a thinner fel-pro gasket that would do just the same but would higher quality?
05-01-2007, 07:11 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 307
1) Yes you need new head bolts. i would get the ARP ones they are only $65.00 from summit.
2) Goto a chevy dealer and get the head gaskets for a 5.7L LT1 Impala. they are alittle thinner and wil give you more compression.
3) Yup, the front end you can leave alone. you will have to take the power steering pump loose to get out the one bolt, but you can leave the lines attached.
4) You can leave the springs and valves alone, but you will remove the rockers and pushrods. Make sure you only loosen the rockers that aren't open to any extent. Shoebox's web site has instructions about that.
2) Goto a chevy dealer and get the head gaskets for a 5.7L LT1 Impala. they are alittle thinner and wil give you more compression.
3) Yup, the front end you can leave alone. you will have to take the power steering pump loose to get out the one bolt, but you can leave the lines attached.
4) You can leave the springs and valves alone, but you will remove the rockers and pushrods. Make sure you only loosen the rockers that aren't open to any extent. Shoebox's web site has instructions about that.
05-01-2007, 07:17 PM
#13
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,173
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...1&autoview=sku
those are the ones you want, you'll want to get some ARP thread sealant too. Torque them to 65ft/lbs, in three steps. (45, then 55, then finally 65)
those are the ones you want, you'll want to get some ARP thread sealant too. Torque them to 65ft/lbs, in three steps. (45, then 55, then finally 65)
