I blew the head gasket on my 1994 z28. I have it all apart and the parts ordered I am replacing the water pump and optispark during replacement of the head gaskets. What I need to know is there anything I could be missing any secrets on replacing any of these things. Things I know. I have bought new head bolts, and that the head bolts that are water jacket bolts need thread sealer. all bolts need torque lube. I have found the torque pattern online for the heads. The torque is 3 equal steps to 70ft lbs these are just the things off the top of my head. I love this car so I want this to go good and have it running again! so ANY help would be AWESOME !!!

Thanks Zach

 

Couple things off the top of my head.....

Open the Opti (hopefully you bought a quality GM replacement) and Loc-Tite the rotor screws. Be EXTREMELY careful to correctly align the splined Opti drive gear in the cam sprocket.

A couple of the water pump bolt go into the water jacket.

You should get all new seals for the timing cover.

Use Shoebox's guide to reinstalling the intake manifold.

4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech Aids

The cam install is in the "How To" section.

 

I went to the chevy dealership and had him pull up the exploded picture of the area around the opti. I ordered a few things off there, if the price was cheap enough. Check the water pump for proper operation if reusing. Do you know how to correctly seal the manifold front and back?

 

on the intake I didnt know there was a wrong way? please explain. I am replacing the water pump

 

Read Shoebox's install procedure. Did you take the time to look at it?

 

Awesome I read you post to fast and didn't see the cam install info. I have look at it now great info! After seeing that how made me feel a little better the before! You guys are awesome!

I am getting excited just want to drive my baby again!