nixc5

iTrader: (3)

Been trying to do some maintenance and upgrades to my 2005 CTS V. She currently has 140K miles and posting this inquiry on a couple of forums I frequent.

So I was installing headers and ran into a couple broken studs in places I couldn't reach to extract without removing the heads. Someone with more skill than myself might have been able to accomplish it but I just couldn't get it done.

So now that I've got the heads off the car are there any recommendations on anything I should (need to) change out while I'm in there.

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

heavymetals

iTrader: (3)

Lifters since you have the heads off.
That also gives you an opportunity to examine the cam lobes.

Naf

iTrader: (1)

Have the heads ported, swap the cam for something you like, mild or wild, and put her all back together...

Swap the lifters, lifter trays, tining chain, oil pump, and gaskets all around...

bigti99a

iTrader: (16)

I'm with naf. If you have the heads off might as well go full cam install. Would have been good to do a compression check before but I bet you're ok. Lifters, trays, springs, pushrods. Rocker inspection or replacement/upgrade, chain, pump and gaskets. And a new bump stick. Put it back together with arp hardware and call it born again. Tune will be needed. Maybe machine the heads a hair to make sure they are flat.

ls1247

iTrader: (2)

if you're on a budget, get all the carbon out of it, lap the valves, put some fresh valve springs and seals in it and let it roll.

I wouldn't mess with porting the heads or replacing lifters unless you're doing a cam but that's a lot more work.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

I'd say a cam is probably twice the work and twice they money a simple top end refresh will cost.

I ran into this exact same scenario when I installed headers. I was able to get it done for about $500 in parts.

New head gaskets, new lifters, lifter trays, comp trunion upgrade, new valve seals and springs, ARP bolt kit, and a can of B12 Chemtool cleaner.

rand49er

Springs for sure. Then seals.

Anything else is just icing on the cake.

nixc5

iTrader: (3)

First of all, thank you to everyone that took the time to respond to my post.

I have started doing some research based on the responses I've gotten and it's leading to just as many questions as answers. I'll continue to do my own DD but I will probably also be posting some follow on questions.

In fact, I already have a first question. There are numerous opinions on gasket kits. For an engine with 140K on it, is there a certain kit I should lean towards? At this point I was looking at this kit on RockAuto simply because my ride has so many miles.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....432727&jsn=440

jmilz28

iTrader: (13)

Springs, seals, trunion upgrade, decarb...roll.

Creative Steel

Don't forget engine mounts if you haven't done so already!

nixc5

iTrader: (3)

DONE... Along with RevShift Trans mount insert and diff bushings (front and rear)...

Sorry I didn't go with your brand but I had bought the RevShift before I knew much about your organization. I did however use your shifter bushing when I upgraded to the Hurst short throw shifter.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

That's actually a pretty good deal on a gasket set. I think I paid like $50 for the head gaskets alone. But beyond valve seals, the rest of the gaskets aren't really necessary unless they get damaged during dis/reassembly. I just cleaned my MLS exhaust gaskets and reused the OEM pieces.

2007V

iTrader: (2)

I'd recommend the rocker trunion upgrade as well at those miles. Also, get the OEM head bolts. ARP's are not necessary.

Edit: maybe do arp exhaust bolts

lollygagger8

iTrader: (7)

If you are that far in, just do the cam and springs.

You'll think about how you should've done it while you were halfway there years from now.

If you don't go ARP head bolts/studs, at the very least, get new stock head bolts.

Clean up the pistons while you are in there. Also, I never replaced the stock lifter trays, but put new LS7 lifters in.

Hopefully this will help a little:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-...l-writeup.html

slowlaneblues06

iTrader: (2)

Since already doing the springs, seals and fluids etc, not to mention labor, I would get the heads milled and ported, new cam, dual springs, arp head bolts atleast for reuse purposes, comp trunnion upgrades, and new lifters and trays. New ls2 timing chain set, and since you are in there a new oil pump is cheap insurance at about 150ish. get a tune and hope for 430-450 rwhp depending on the cam.

Or you could buy my motor for 13k and have a nice new lsx 427.

nixc5

iTrader: (3)

I found your write up several weeks ago and have already read it about 2 dozen times along with a write up on LS1HowTo... Your write up is actually what gave me the ***** to do this...

nixc5

iTrader: (3)

Once again thanks to everyone for taking the time to share the advice.

Now I have to figure out how to spec out what I want and create a parts list...

for the heads.... Should I send them off or find a local shop to have the work done? More specifically, is there a vendor on here that I should support? On that same note, does the CAM spec as well as the choice of lifters, springs, etc. (other than the Rods) impact what work is done on the heads or can I go ahead and get that piece started while I start working on identifying the other parts?

NIKDSC5

iTrader: (10)

If the heads are off and you have the coin then I'd say port them. If you dont have the coin then lifters, trays, springs, cam, seals, timing chain at a min.

Things to add would be an intake (90mm graft ls6) ported heads, oil pump etc.

unless the plan is to take the heads off again in the future there is no need for ARP hardware.

Clean the pistons and do a very good job checking the cylinder walls.

FWIW if it was me and the heads were off and I had that many miles I would probably take the block out for a hone and new rings. Of course then I'd want forged rods and pistons. The rabbit hole never ends really.

ls1247

iTrader: (2)

Which is why I wouldn't mess with it too much. I wouldn't even do lifters unless you didn't mark them and they aren't going back into the hole they came out of.

lollygagger8

iTrader: (7)

Thatta boy!!

I would take the heads somewhere local that's reputable, or buy some already done and sell yours. You'll need to pick out a cam before you figure out what springs you'll need.