rally2247

iTrader: (1)

Just how roughly would it take to take off the heads of the LS1 engine? Let's say it's a pretty experience person doing it.

PREDATOR-Z

Assuming the car is cold, 1.5>2 hours.

rally2247

iTrader: (1)

Thanks

But, I have another question, I need to take off the heads off my car, because one of my spark plug holes is stripped. Now, I've never taken off the heads of an engine before, so is this job too complicated for somebody that has never done it before to do it? I consider myself a pretty technical person, so I'm not intimidated of getting my hands dirty.

Also, are there "write ups" in the web that have pretty detailed instructions on how to remove the heads?

Boostaholic

iTrader: (4)

Not long at all, 2 hours might be a little short. I could probably get mine off in under 3 hours though.

The hardest part is probably that stupid bolt on the power steering bracket, I don't remember if it has to come off or not though for the bracket to unbolt from the head.

jermstyle

It's going to take 3 hours to get the header bolts out... j/k

PREDATOR-Z

http://www.ls1howto.com

YOOFORMULA

iTrader: (6)

3 hours sounds about right. I did mine for the first time and it went smooth. I did follow the directions on the LS1howto website to a T and even printed some sheets out for review. Take your time and "bag n label", should be fine.

rally2247

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys! I'll definately give this a shot then. I'll most likely tackle this project with my father this upcoming Thursday.

I'll also check out www.ls1howto.com.

JackZ28

I took the head off with the power steering reservoir still attached. Much easier! I would upgrade to ARP head bolts while you're at it. I put the studs in, and that was a MAJOR PITA with the block still in. Make sure you get all the old gasket off with a scraper, but be careful not to get any in the block.

PREDATOR-Z

Just follow JMX's directions to a T. You'll be fine. Get a set of roller wrench tools. they really help. To have the right tools, saves a lot of time.
Don't take shortcuts, they are the ones that bite.

rally2247

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I'll definately take my time on this and not "cut any corners".

One more thing, I was looking on www.ls1howto.com for the heads swap write up and I saw that it said you needed to havfe 16 long "m-11" headbolts, 4 short "m-11" headbolts, 2 new head gaskets, etc......

So, why can't I use the old bolts and gaskets?

redbandit98

iTrader: (13)

the bolts are "torque to yield" bolts..this means that once they are torqued they "stretch" and you CANNOT reuse them, they are not very much (like 20 bucks for new ones)..as for the head gaskets you should not EVER reuse head gaskets on ANY motor..unless they are cometic or a similar brand..i personally have a set of used cometics i had give to me and i dont even know if i want to reuse them or not..i believe a head gasket is a one time use deal..i know the cometics are top quality but im stil a little skeptic..you will see once you pull the heads off, half of your gasket will be stuck to the block when you try and pull it off so its not an option anyway..
matt

rally2247

iTrader: (1)

One more question, what is the air compressor used for?

redbandit98

iTrader: (13)

air compressor is used to hold valves up,if your swapping head components on the fly,you dont have anything to worry about if your jsut taking the whole assembly off and putting it back on, you wont need to hold the valves up becuase your not taking off any springs,etc..i posted earlier about holding the lifters up..i dont know what the hell i was thinking...i am kind of inhebriated..

rally2247

iTrader: (1)

Ok, cool. That's good to know.

Thanks!