Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

Blown headgasket. Going to replace both sides, have heard pulling (well dropping Kmember) is easiest way to go for this job (have access to lift) Is This True..... Also, should I get new head bolts? Or anything else. Some general info about dropping the Kmember w/tranny intact would be much appreciated. This intimidates me... seems like a big job
Thanks

T/AWS666

iTrader: (7)

I have only pulled the engine from the bottom so i can't say if it was easier than the top, but it was nowhere near as hard as i thought. I thought it was easy from the bottom. I also had to use a cherry picker to lift the car where as you have a lift! I would deff vote to go out the bottom. You can take the trans, headers, intake, etc. right down with it.

The head bolts are one time use only becaus ethey strech so you have to get new bolts

Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man, this is a dumb question but what did you have the motor resting on, how high was it, all I can think of is putting it on some 2x4's?? The car has almost 120k on it, are new pushrods a must too??

T/AWS666

iTrader: (7)

Well if you have an aftermarket cam and valvsprings i would say do pushrods, but if you have the stock stuff (then as long as they all are straight) new pushrods are not neccessary.

And i acually built a dolly for my engine out of 2x4's plywood and 4 wheels...i'll look for a pic now

Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

Cool thanks...
Was just wondering (i know, full of questions) My oil was quite milky, so I'm sure there was alot of water mixed somehow.... gonna get heads milled but is there anything else I should worry about other than the actual head gaskets

T/AWS666

iTrader: (7)

Thats right after got it out. Dont mind the mess or how dirty everything is...

T/AWS666

iTrader: (7)

If the oil looked like butterscotch pudding then that is coolant in the oil....which if you had a blown head gasket makes sense. And check out ls1howto.com they have alot of nice write ups

Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

One more question man, as far as disconnecting the steering goes, do I just unhook it at the knuckle/joint, is that the hardest part?
btw, looks good... ingenuity at work, I like it
Thanks again for the help

T/AWS666

iTrader: (7)

there are 2 bolts. one connecting it to the rack and the other up to the "colum" i guess i would call it. Here's a good link with eveything you need to know about pulling it from the bottom. it looks like alot but it goes fast. https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ls1-fbody.html

WhiteRhino

iTrader: (6)

This is going back in, but it is pretty simple. I didn't have a lift, so I raised the car up. Slid the motor under. Then sat the car back down on the jack stands. I used my cherry picker to lift the motor back up to the frame, with a floor jack under the tranny and motor to help guide it. Did it by myself and it only took a couple hours. With a lift, it should be a lot easier.

Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys

Mazzenger

iTrader: (5)

You dont' have to pull the motor to replace headgaskets.
It all can be done while it is still in the car.

theinstag8r

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, what he said. No need to pull the motor. Upgrade to ARP headbolts. Just torque to spec and go. Plus they are reusable.

SSdreamz

iTrader: (3)

if you do pull the motor, do yourself a favor and dont spin the steering wheel. Lets just say someone said the accidently over spun the steering wheel when the knuckle and such was disconnected, and the air bag wires inside snapped...DAMN IT!

Erikz 28

iTrader: (1)

Ouch....
But wouldn't it be easier to just pull it or no?
I work pretty slow, like jerry's kid slow...

1sick'98WS6

iTrader: (19)

That sucks!! Before you start anything make sure to lock the steering wheel in place.

W es 6

iTrader: (1)

Erik, quit asking so many questions... just buy the damn head gaskets (you know you need them) and bolts, and let's do this thing.

SSdreamz

iTrader: (3)

Getrdone

theinstag8r

iTrader: (3)

I did a head/cam swap, spun a bearing during beak-in and had to pull the motor. I pulled the motor and never want to do it again. It's not bad pulling the heads while in the car. If you do pull the motor I would consider rebuilding the bottom end depending on how miles are on it.

rumblebox

iTrader: (9)

unless you have head studs, it's easier to just take the heads off without dropping the engine. i did it in a matter of a few hours with limited tools.