mcalus

iTrader: (14)

Im in the middle of building my LT1. I'm sure most of you have seen my build thread.

355, stock rods, stock crank, arp rod and main bolts
LE 226/232 .576 .571 110lsa

I really want to send my heads to AI but building my trans is more of a priority. I was looking to get them milled .020 and using the impala headgaskets.

Would I be ok not getting a valve job? I really don't want to port the heads till next winter at least. I think a valve jobs alone is ~$400 isn't it? I was hoping I could hold off on valve job and porting the heads until later on.

Suggestions/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated.

93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

Why not just save up and do it all at once?

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

I have been working on this car for 2 years now, my goal is to have it running and presentable by June for a local meet and greet. I have a lot of paint and body work to do yet. Plus lots to buy. Build trans, exhaust, suspension, tires, plugs, wires, valve springs, headgaskets, motor mounts.

I haven't stumbled across that money tree yet

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

How many miles are on the heads? $400 sounds high for just a valve job. Tax return time is right around the corner....I would do it once and do it right and just get some ported heads; you may be able to find some used ones cheaper than you think.

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Of course you'll be OK not getting a valve job.
Wait until you get them ported to do it.
Just go with the proper spring setup, and it will run great with that cam for the time being, a lot stronger than stock!
You're smart putting the money into the trans at this point. It will need to be stout when you start hitting it with the higher rpm shifts

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

They are stock heads with ~130k on them.

I just don't know very much about heads. I already have comp 1.6 rr's, diamond chromoly pushrods (still plan on measuring before installation, just got a good deal on them) guideplates and 7/16" studs.

I was thinking of going with the Alex springs

Mystery Bird

iTrader: (7)

^^^I agree. It will run just fine.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

Another question, do I need to take all of my valvetrain out before I take them to the machine shop? It's just the stock stuff in them still. Do I keep the valves in? In regards to getting them milled.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Call them up and ask. If you don't have the means to remove them I'm sure they'll do it for you.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

I would run it as is.

I think decking them moderately heavily as you are proposing now would make them a hassle to CNC the chambers on later anyway so your plan might just make them no longer any good as cores for porting.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

As for the impala head gaskets. Is there a specific year I need for the "thin" ones? Part number?

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

Would you suggest getting the intake hot tanked? What's that on average usually run?

rich5368

iTrader: (2)

I don't know if those Alex springs will be enough for that cam. Lloyd spec'd me a cam pretty close to yours and recommended at least comp 918s. I would double check. If I remember right the head gasket is part #5898. That's what I just ordered for my car anyway. I wound up going with the Patriot Gold Extreme springs.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

The springs are supposed to be good up to .595 lift. I have heard good things about them and you can't beat the price.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

Anyone else tried the Alex springs?

IronOutlaw

iTrader: (4)

The Alex springs are supposed to be fine but there is more to picking a spring than just valve lift. I would ask Lloyd since he designed the cam. The lobes may be too aggressive and you may need a spring with more pressure. You could list the advertised duration numbers and it would help guys on here to see how aggresive the lobes are if you don't want to contact Lloyd.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

274/284

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

What about valve seals? Anyone have a part number on the impala headgaskets?

So the springs I bought that Lloyd recommended are an o.d of 1.4xx and a stock lt1 spring o.d is 1.2xx.

Will I have to machine the seat on the head to make it fit?

fex77k

iTrader: (2)

Link for head gasket. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12553160/
If you go to the dealership tell them GM Performance 12553160 if the part number isn't exactly the same as 12553160 don't open them because they are probably stock lt1 gaskets. For some reason my dealership likes to cross reference the wrong part numbers.

mcalus

iTrader: (14)

Will it matter that it's bored out to a 355? Will the gaskets overhang the hole enough to make a difference?