I have an 01 LS1, so i believe I have the graphite gaskets. To anyone who has removed the heads in car, how hard was it to clean off the remaining gasket material. I was actually working on another engine in the garage, but had to change plans as the two bores that had leak down have vertical scratches that a fingernail can catch on. I spent hours with dozens of plastic razor blades, a roloc disc, and a can of gasket remover to get the gasket off and it still isn't perfect. And that was with the engine on a stand, not with me leaning over the engine bay. Are they all universally a pain, or do some come off with ease? I plan on replacing with Fel-Pro MLS permatorque 1161 gaskets which supposedly seal on not as perfect surfaces.

 

I read using a plastic ice scraper is the way to go on ls1howto.com

I ordered a couple from Walmart for like 1.75 and intend on using those. I’ve been working on removing my heads a few hours here and there and I am at the point now where I just need to unbolt the heads now so I will update on how that goes soon.