after i finish my fall quarter at school and i have my LOVELY, LONG x mas break i will be throwing on a set of 243 heads i got, as well as a FAST 90/90 (if i can come up with the cash in the next week or so). what gasket do you guys suggest running with the stock/untouched 243 heads? can i reuse my header gaskets? another question: im assuming my stock rockers and TSP hardened push rods (7.400") will just swap over no modifications neccessary? and can my head bolts be re-used? i only have 29k on the clock so everything is in pretty good condition. i actually bought an LS2 timing chain when i did my cam swap but everything looked brand new so i didnt even bother changing it out. also, will the LS7 lifters be a good replacement for stock lifters? i see their relatively cheaper then something like comp cam lifters.. any info would be appreciated.. im planning on taking as much time as i need to properly install these, since this will be my first time messing with the heads.

sorry for all the questions!!! thanks in advance for your help guys

 

re use header gasket if its factory MLS

use factory MLS head gaskets.

remove your motor and trans together. your lifters are fine. put a TSP pump on it and your LS2 chain, also do Katech rod bolts. while in there put an LS7 or Spec clutch in there.

 

i was told something about cometic gaskets raising compression? and the motor is staying in the car.. and wouldnt it be a good idea to get some better lifters in there? and my stock clutch is fine btw

o yeah.. no need to change my timing chain and oil pump since im not going to be screwing around down there

 

whatever you say man..

 

thanks for your help
ANYWAYS, any OTHER help would be appreciated thanks

 

the header gaskets should be fine as long as they are the medal ones, and your head bolts can be used however if you want to do it right get new ones because the TTY can let go of their strength. i have not heard about the lifters from LS7 but i always use comp R because it is cheap insurance to know your lifters are fine. i spin my motor to 7300 rpm with a t-rex cam on those lifters. dont worry about the clutch and pump and timing chain. as long as the parts are working well and show no signs of wear then good to go. let me know how things go and ask as many questions as you want. oh and dont reuse your lifters because under good horsepower can flex and the roller can wable.

 

cop car didnt mean to come off like a dick.. i just was looking for some answers towards the questions i posted..

thanks ssfast..i think im going to try and order some new head bolts. on tsp it says the ls7 lifters are a good upgrade. i might try em out. again thanks for ur help

oh yeah so since ill be changing my springs(918s) from my 241 heads to the 243 heads OFF the car, im assuming this will be much easier and is there anything i should know about or any tips?

 

LS7 lifters are the same as LS1s. your lifters are fine, if people run trexs on the stock lifters your cam will be fine

 

im probably going to lifters just cause im already going to be down there and its not going to hurt to have new ones.. do u agree?

are these the right gaskets?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

Definitely get new head bolts and gaskets, order them from TSP it will be cheaper then 75 for the gaskets I think I paid in the 50s range.

 

cool thanks for your input

 

The gaskets you put a link for are for a 4.165" bore and a stock LS1 bore is 3.9".

I'm doing the same 'refresh' this winter as well. I'm going to measure how much clearance I have and will run either a cometic 0.040" or 0.045" gasket depending on PtoV clearances.

 

ah i didnt even look i just posted a gasket after searching for "LS1 head gasket". thanks

 

SDPC also has some good prices on the bolts and gaskets you need.

 

Are you running the comp-r's with stock rockers

 

are these the right size? http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3594...ead-Gasket.htm

it says bore: 3.910"

 

That is the correct bore diameter. Technically, I beleive a stock bore is 3.898" if I remember correctly, and the 3.910 is only 0.012" larger in diameter which should be fine. That's what I'm ordering when I do my head swap.

 

Personally, I like the stock GM MLS gaskets. While theyre advertised at .060, they mic out about the same as the 6.0L gaskets, .052 - .054. A buddy of mine is running the .042 mr. gasket composite gaskets from summit. All these options are cheap at just over 20 bucks a pop. Running 3.910 gaskets should be the bare minimum on a stock bore motor. I personally like to keep the gasket a little further out of the fire than .006.

 

why are cometics so expensive $150 for a pair? is it really worth it over OEM gaskets?

 

no, GM MLS FTW