JustAFooL

iTrader: (45)

Just curious if its necessary/better to taketh radiator out for basic head swap?? I started it today and stopped when I got frustrated with the hoses on the water pump.. I'm following the how-to on ls1 howto and seen its the next step but they are also doings cam swap.. this is my first time going to the inside of a motor so this is an exciting time.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

(assuming you have a Camaro or Firebird)

As you had to drain the coolant, why don't you just remove the hoses? Certainly less work than fooling with the radiator and the attached fans & A/C condenser.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Shouldn't have to remove it unless you are also Doing a cam swap, although it is easier to do stuff with more room

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Also get yourself a quick disconnect hose clamp tool...much beter than pliers or vice grips...also use some wd40 where hoses attach to water pump to help break them loose

JustAFooL

iTrader: (45)

Ya, the pliers were kickin my butt. I'm in no rush so ill just go by AutoZone tomorrow and grab a set

Mattyfresh89

No you dont have to take it or the condenser out for just the heads.

As for the hose clamps: Use a set of slip joint pliers, they work perfectly!

good luck with the heads! Just did mine and a cam swap

_matt

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Yea autozone has the remote hose clamp pliers...you don't even have to be able to see the clamp, you just hook them in place and them the part you clamp is on like a 2 foot extension...these are awesome when the pliers won't fit...but wd40 really helps release the rusted clamps and the corrosion between hose and water pump...

Sales1@Texas-speed

Like others have said no need to pull the radiator out for just the cylinder head swap.