Formula_5.7

Ok, I am new to the LT1 world. I bought a 93 formula firebird with a blown headgasket. How hard is this to fix? I would really like to have it running by end of Febuary. I don't want to build a new motor for it. How much would I be looking at spending, if I did this myself? The local track opens up the second weekend of March. This is my due date. Any help would is appreciated. Also if anyone can maybe direct me to a step by step process. Thanks.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

It's not expensive, but it's not fun either.

A search will bring you a lot of information.
Here's a thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-m...et-repair.html

Here's a guide I used for my head swap:
http://www.afrashteh.com/guide/install.htm

94 s dime

iTrader: (10)

it isnt the funnest thing in the world but it can be done.. just be patient.. it will **** you off just walk away from it... you have plenty of time to get it done

djjab57

iTrader: (17)

make sure you have the heads checked out to make sure they're straight

camar0corey

iTrader: (22)

Depending on the mileage now would be a good time to freshen up some other items, timing chain, new cap and rotor, etc.... while you have stuff torn apart that far.

2XR95Z28

iTrader: (4)

You'll need head and intake gaskets and it is a smart idea to get ARP head bolts and not use the stock bolts again, i beleive they are strech bolts and could not seal the head properly. I got felpro intake gaskets, Mr gasket thinner head gaskets to bump the compression and used ARP head bolts. And i would not even think about putting the heads back on without getting them checked out by a local machine shop. Just be smart and do it right this time so you don't have to go back and do it again. Like mentioned above, it really isn't too extremely tough of a job just very very time consuming.

ryle

iTrader: (19)

I said I was gonna do the same thing... only problem was that once I got into the engine, I looked it over decided that it was time for a rebuild as i didn't know how long the gasket had been blown and ran like that. There was all kinds of coolant in my oil pan. It was a good thing that I decided to rebuild the engine because judging by the bearings looking like a brand new penny, It was time to replace them. Just a thought, It may be worth your time if you are planning on keeping the car for any length of time to replace the bearings if coolant got into your oil. Just my .02

**at the very least take your heads to a machine shop and have them look them over. If they are warped the shop should be able to resurface them for a small fee**

Z20ATE

im in the process on doing my head gaskets right now. some parts are a definite PITA but over all it wasnt that hard. def. get the heads checked it would be a real bummer to put everything back together just to find out you had a warped head.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I would always have a set Milled if I'm pulling them and putting new Gaskets on them..that's just me.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

+1, mill along with a 3-angle valve job.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

And a full PP while your in there.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

19mike84

just be like me and wait until you can afford the le1 package