nick04duramax

I am about to replace the head on my 5.3, my question is do I need to replace the head bolts? The manuel says to replace them is this neccisary or not? I tried to do a search but couldn't find anything.

GTO1_OHIO

iTrader: (3)

Stock Head bolts on a LS1 the answer is YES, they are torque to yield, one time use. 5.3 I would suspect would be the same as a LS1.

nick04duramax

Thats what I was afraid of , thanks.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

I just did the heads on my 5.3 liter. You're supposed to at least replace 1 thru 10. 11 thru 15 are optional. 11 thru 15 are only torqued to 22 ft/lb so I guess they don't stretch that much. It helps to pull that drain plug in the back of the block above the oil filter. It drains most of the water in the block so water doesn't go everywhere when you pull the heads off.

LS1FIRE

iTrader: (1)

Cool thanks for info.

nick04duramax

would it be possible to measure the length of the bolts with a micrometer in comparison to a new bolt? Just a thought, About how much do the head bolts run in price? Thanks

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

I believe you need a bolt stretch gauge for to do that measurement and they aren't cheap. Much better to just buy a new set of bolt. I bought a set of ARPs for $100.00 for my 04 Silverado. The 04 doesn't use any of the real long bolts. All of them are the length that normally go in locations 9 and 10 as well as the 5 shorter ones that go in 11 thru 15. You should be able to easily get a set of GM bolts for less than that because the ARPs are always quite a bit more expensive. Don't penny pinch on the bolts. You'll be sorry you did.

cam

iTrader: (9)

Hmmm any idea of Fel Pro head bolts being any good? I bought some cuz.. well their cheap and being in Canada check my post about GM parts Canada will explain all. Anyways wondered if i am crazy running them or will they will be okay?