Getting ready to get some Afr 215's for my 01 TA.. Does the engine need to be pulled or just swap them out the old fashioned way???

 

Nope, doesn't need to be pulled. Look at the write-up on LS1howto.com.

 

It's not to bad... Just did a swap for a customer. I would recommend getting either ARP head bolts or Studs though... Cost more than stock, but you can re-use them and there is no torque to yeild!!!! Most important thing is to get the Head surface as clean as possible and get all the moisture out of the bolt holes!!!! Good luck!!

 

Thanks guys.... I was expecting to hear horror stories.....

 

no need to pull the motor to change heads if using bolts. If you use heads studs in an F-body you will probably have to drop the motor down some as there is not room to put the heads on over the studs with the cowl/windshield in the way. I've heard of people setting the heads in place then threading the studs in but can't comment on how well this works or if it's a PITA.

 

I used ARP studs on my Z28 (4 years ago). The image below shows the 3 studs that I had to install after the heads were seated. No big deal. I'm doing my C5 heads this weekend. Of course with the C5, both heads dropped right on with all studs installed (bottom).

 

what heads are you using

 

nope not at all, we swapped my heads and cam 3 weeks ago and once you get things out of the way it goes smooth

 

agreed, the worst thing is getting everything out the way.

 

yep! it's fun to put it back together though lol

 

If directed at me- AFR 205s on the C5.

 

doing heads/cam in-car, it would be way easier to pull the motor because of work space but its not necessary, the passenger side will give you the most trouble because it is farther back, the last two bolts on the bottom row will be hard to get to but youll figure it out once you get in there

 

You would think. You start taking all that stuff out in front of the motor though and you can sit right in front of the timing set no problem.