My First Heads/Cam Install
#1
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To start out, I have zero first-hand experience with cracking open an engine. I have done headers, motor mounts, full exhaust(OR Kooks TD), and several suspension upgrades so I have some ability to turn a wrench.
I don't want to make this first post insanely long, I've got tons of questions but I'll just explain what I'm wanting to do.
The heads/cam install is for a summer weekend car that will mostly be driven on the street and maybe a few trips to the strip. My car is already really loud and it handles and drives harshly due to suspension upgrades so I'm not that concerned when it comes to street manners. I want broad power under the curve, I do not care about peak power, especially if low end power suffers. I want to use the stock LS1 short block for now and may upgrade down the road.
My first decision to make which will determine my budget...I expect to spend around $4000-$5000:
Do the work myself or have a shop do it?
I appreciate any feedback or advice.
Edit: Car is a 2001 TA WS6 M6 with kooks headers, kooks true duals, SLP air lid, and a few other suspension mods
I don't want to make this first post insanely long, I've got tons of questions but I'll just explain what I'm wanting to do.
The heads/cam install is for a summer weekend car that will mostly be driven on the street and maybe a few trips to the strip. My car is already really loud and it handles and drives harshly due to suspension upgrades so I'm not that concerned when it comes to street manners. I want broad power under the curve, I do not care about peak power, especially if low end power suffers. I want to use the stock LS1 short block for now and may upgrade down the road.
My first decision to make which will determine my budget...I expect to spend around $4000-$5000:
Do the work myself or have a shop do it?
I appreciate any feedback or advice.
Edit: Car is a 2001 TA WS6 M6 with kooks headers, kooks true duals, SLP air lid, and a few other suspension mods
Last edited by s7ven; 07-10-2014 at 09:15 PM.
#6
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I am aiming for about 450 rwhp peak but if I can get more under the curve with less then I'm all for that. MWC fab 9 will be the follow up project.
#7
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I understand the process and theory at least to a basic degree. I have been reading on this forum and other book references for months. I just have no hands on experience.
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#8
Old School Heavy
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My point of view is if you want to learn and have this type of stuff as your hobby, then there is no better way to learn than doing it. If it is not important to you to develop your skills in this area and the idea of having these skills is not that exciting to you. Pay someone else to do it.
#9
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I've used that site as well as stickies on here to do past projects. Definitely some good reading materials and howtos. This forum has helped me out a lot along the way. I guess what I'm really needing help with at the moment is planning.
#10
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My point of view is if you want to learn and have this type of stuff as your hobby, then there is no better way to learn than doing it. If it is not important to you to develop your skills in this area and the idea of having these skills is not that exciting to you. Pay someone else to do it.
#11
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Make sure you have tools in your budget or have access to them. You should have a cam degree wheel, impact wrench, torque wrench, torque angle gauge, adjustable push rod for push rod length and valve lash, cheater valve springs for PTVC. There are probably other items I am forgetting.
One expense people forget are the bolts. Most are torque to yield and will not be reused.
One expense people forget are the bolts. Most are torque to yield and will not be reused.
#13
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Make sure you have tools in your budget or have access to them. You should have a cam degree wheel, impact wrench, torque wrench, torque angle gauge, adjustable push rod for push rod length and valve lash, cheater valve springs for PTVC. There are probably other items I am forgetting.
One expense people forget are the bolts. Most are torque to yield and will not be reused.
One expense people forget are the bolts. Most are torque to yield and will not be reused.
#15
TECH Addict
iTrader: (7)
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I had the same experience as you before I did my H/C.....installing bolt-ons etc. Never taken an automotive class in my life, but am very mechanically inclined. As long as your organized and have a high attention to detail its not hard at all, just time consuming. I wouldn't hesitate at all to do it, and you'll learn a ton about the car.
One thing you'll need for sure is a new clutch. Around 400rwhp the ls6 becomes worthless.
One thing you'll need for sure is a new clutch. Around 400rwhp the ls6 becomes worthless.
#16
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I had the same experience as you before I did my H/C.....installing bolt-ons etc. Never taken an automotive class in my life, but am very mechanically inclined. As long as your organized and have a high attention to detail its not hard at all, just time consuming. I wouldn't hesitate at all to do it, and you'll learn a ton about the car.
One thing you'll need for sure is a new clutch. Around 400rwhp the ls6 becomes worthless.
One thing you'll need for sure is a new clutch. Around 400rwhp the ls6 becomes worthless.
I'll add the clutch to my list, I figured after an engine build up and rear/ds the tranny would be the weakest link.
After all the research I've done I'm leaning towards choosing the tea tfs 215cc heads and getting a cam custom grind...is this a combo that could yield decent power?
#17
TECH Senior Member
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Sound like you've got the mechanical ability, you'll just need to make sure you've got all the torque specs and tightening sequences , and the proper tools to do the job. You'll also need the time, patience, and a desire to do the work yourself. I'd also highly suggest you compile a list of all the supporting parts(Oil pump, timing gears/chain set, Lifters, lifter trays, rocker arm trunion kit, push-rods) an supporting assembly parts(bolts, gaskets, seals), and fluids(oil, coolant, assembly lube, thread sealant, thread locker, silicone sealant/gasket maker), you'll need. I feel this is where a lot of people under-estimate the cost, and then try and take short-cuts. Whether you rent, borrow, or buy the tools you don't have that's you to decide.
IMO if you even think you might tear into the engine again I'd go ahead and at least get a set of ARP head bolts and crank pulley bolt, probably water-pump bolts to.
You might also want to consider pulling the transmission while the engine is apart(easier) and replacing (if needed) the pilot bearing, rear main seal, clutch, flywheel, clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder). This's all of course if your budget permits.
IMO if you even think you might tear into the engine again I'd go ahead and at least get a set of ARP head bolts and crank pulley bolt, probably water-pump bolts to.
You might also want to consider pulling the transmission while the engine is apart(easier) and replacing (if needed) the pilot bearing, rear main seal, clutch, flywheel, clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder). This's all of course if your budget permits.
#19
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Taking all the input so far into consideration I compiled a list of parts/tools and an approximate cost. The list is pretty general and I'm sure I will drop or add things before it's complete. I have quite a few tools from previous projects which includes tons of sockets/adapters, wrenches, an impact, and a few torque wrenches. Hoping I can get some things used or at a reduced cost:
The total comes to around $4850 which does not include any shipping or tuning related costs.
- $2,610.00 Trick Flow 215cc GM LS Cylinder Heads
- $220.00 Morel Hydraulic Roller Drop-In Lifters
- $32.00 GM Lifter Tray for all LS Engines (1 Guide) x4
- $380.00 Harland Sharp SLS17 - 1.7 Ratio
- $56.00 GMPP LS-2 HD Timing Chain
- $150.00 Melling Performance High Volume Oil Pump
- $400.00 Custom Camshaft
- $175.00 ARP High Performance Series Cylinder Head Bolt Kit for 97-03
- $160.00 Head Gaskets - Don't know which one yet
- $30.00 ARP Chromoly Header Bolt Kits
- $35.00 ARP 12 Point Balancer Bolt Kit for LS7
- $28.00 Header Gaskets
- $105.00 Brian Tooley LS Chromoly Pushrods 3/8" - unknown length
- $150.00 Coolant, oil, oil filter, assembly lube, thread locker, anti-seize
- $20.00 Comp Cams Hi-Tech Length Checking Pushrod
- $100.00 Harmonic Balancer Removal/Install Tool Set
- $100.00 Cam Degree Kit
- $100.00 Valve Spring Compressor
- $4.00 Cheater valve spring
The total comes to around $4850 which does not include any shipping or tuning related costs.
Last edited by s7ven; 07-11-2014 at 10:28 PM.
#20
TECH Fanatic
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Taking all the input so far into consideration I compiled a list of parts/tools and an approximate cost. The list is pretty general and I'm sure I will drop or add things before it's complete. I have quite a few tools from previous projects which includes tons of sockets/adapters, wrenches, an impact, and a few torque wrenches. Hoping I can get some things used or at a reduced cost:
The total comes to around $4850 which does not include any shipping or tuning related costs.
- $2,610.00 Trick Flow 215cc GM LS Cylinder Heads
- $220.00 Morel Hydraulic Roller Drop-In Lifters
- $32.00 GM Lifter Tray for all LS Engines (1 Guide) x4
- $380.00 Harland Sharp SLS17 - 1.7 Ratio
- $56.00 GMPP LS-2 HD Timing Chain
- $150.00 Melling Performance High Volume Oil Pump
- $400.00 Custom Camshaft
- $175.00 ARP High Performance Series Cylinder Head Bolt Kit for 97-03
- $160.00 Head Gaskets - Don't know which one yet
- $30.00 ARP Chromoly Header Bolt Kits
- $35.00 ARP 12 Point Balancer Bolt Kit for LS7
- $28.00 Header Gaskets
- $105.00 Brian Tooley LS Chromoly Pushrods 3/8" - unknown length
- $150.00 Coolant, oil, oil filter, assembly lube, thread locker, anti-seize
- $20.00 Comp Cams Hi-Tech Length Checking Pushrod
- $100.00 Harmonic Balancer Removal/Install Tool Set
- $100.00 Cam Degree Kit
- $100.00 Valve Spring Compressor
- $4.00 Cheater valve spring
The total comes to around $4850 which does not include any shipping or tuning related costs.
I also replaced the water pump and timing chain cover gaskets. Didn't want to have to pull the crank pulley again if there was a leak.