Roadrunner77z

01 TA 70k mile stock virgin DD

As a minimum, I believe I am facing new head gasket + cam + lifters
Since I am a newbie to LS1 work, wondering how much of a pain is it to work in the tight space relative to pulling engine?
I have equipment to pull engine if needed.


My problems:
Main problem is hydrolock
- Went to start car one cold morning in winter, engine cranked, fired, spun a couple revs, car shuddered and engine locked up.
- Pulled plugs and when I got to #6, water ran out of cylinder. Engine will crank now.
- Radiator is still full and do not see water in oil so not a major leak

Second problem
- has had what I believe was valve train tap issue for a few k miles
- Noticed little bit of metal in oil - light dusting on magnetic drain plug + residue rinsed from oil filter is also magnetic (no aluminum noticed)
- From this I'm guessing bad lifter eating into cam.

Any comments or tips welcome.
If I dont pull engine, I plan to check for bent connecting rod by measuring deck height