hcb1700

iTrader: (9)

I am about to install the heads on my brothers LS1 and need help installing/torquing down the head bolts properly. I've read that they aren't the same as traditional small blocks, so I need to know what to do so I can do it right the first time? I've read that you torque them down to the specified torque and then you have to turn the bolt another certain amount of degrees, how does this work? This is my first time working on an LS engine.

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

If you want to do it right you need a degree gage. There are many types from specific "torque" style wrenches tells you degrees not ft. lbs. They also make adapters that go between your ratchet and the socket. Plenty of people also use there eyes and judgment of what 90 degrees or what ever the needed turn is.

Make sure to follow the sequence by the book or you can warp the head or need a new head gasket after you get it back together and run it for a little bit!

hcb1700

iTrader: (9)

So I'm suppose to torque them down first, and then turn them however many degrees the manual says in order for them to lock in place?

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

Well you aren't locking anything in but there final resting rotation is after your degrees are covered. What you are doing is streching the bolt just short of it breaking point so that it seals the head with all of it's potential strength.

GMTECH4

first and far most be sure to clean out all the head bolt holes with a blow gun. ls's blocks are not like the old sbc's that go all the way thru. you can damage the block! and don't forget to use new head bolts.

ae13291

iTrader: (8)

you need new head bolts and make sure you clean the holes out i have seen cracks that can happen.somebody will chime in here about the correct torque specs and certain degrees to turn it

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

All the info you need here.

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=3

Cylinder Head Bolts (First Pass all M11 Bolts in Sequence) 22 lb ft
Cylinder Head Bolts (Second Pass all M11 Bolts in Sequence) 90 degrees
Cylinder Head Bolts (Final Pass all M11 Bolts in Sequence-Excluding the Medium Length Bolts at the Front and Rear of Each Cylinder Head) 90 degrees
Cylinder Head Bolts (Final Pass M11 Medium Length Bolts at the Front and Rear of Each Cylinder Head in Sequence) 50 degrees
Cylinder Head Bolts (M8 Inner Bolts in Sequence) 22 lb ft
Cylinder Head Coolant Plug 15 lb ft
Cylinder Head Core Hole Plug 15 lb ft

WhiteRhino

iTrader: (6)

For what it's worth, I just mark a vertical line on the bolt head with a Sharpie. Then do the dergree turns by eye. I've done a few sets this way and never had an issue.

Wanted to add. You can always get arp head bolts. You just torque them normally per arp specs. Three passes and you're done.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

What year is the motor? There were some changes so make sure you have the correct numbers.

hcb1700

iTrader: (9)

I've cleaned them out really good, and got all new bolts. It's a 2001 Camaro.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I followed the sequence in my Haynes book with zero issues.