LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting ready to do a head and cam install this winter break and need a little advice on what gaskets to buy. I'll be using Cometics head gaskets but after this I don't know what is necessary and what is not. Please give me your advice!

The engine has 130k and I want to do this right the first time.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Cometics aren't always necessary. What heads/cam are you going with?

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

I'm going with cometics to raise my compression. I'm just putting on some stock 243 heads and a custom cam around 230/230 .600+ lift on 111 lsa.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Have you checked clearance? What compression are you looking for?

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

Everything will be fine, Im having Patrick G spec the cam. I'm going for 11.0-11.5 SCR and lower 8.0 DCR.

My question is about gaskets and what people have found they need to replace when doing heads and cam.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Oh, gotcha now. I thought you were wondering about what head gaskets to use, not about what else would be needed. Other than those, it's often suggested to replace the timing cover gasket and possibly water pump gaskets. I would replace them both regardless of their shape, especially if they are the originals. Inspect the front crank seal to see if it needs replacing as well. That's all I can think of at the moment in terms of gaskets.

Thorny

iTrader: (14)

When I did my swap this year, I did not have to replace the front cover gasket or water pump gaskets. Since you have a '98 you will probably have to replace the water pump gaskets since they are different for that year. Its a good idea to replace the gasket in the timing cover that seals the crank snout, I didn't and now it seeps a little. Not enough to drip but enough to have made be buy a new gasket for it.

All in all, I didn't feel the need to replace any of the metal gaskets (the ones that have a metal frame and rubber liner). The old ones looked just as good as the new ones and so far they have all worked fine.

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

thanks, what about valve cover gaskets or intake manifold gaskets??

Basically I have been looking at the gaskets kits at thunder racing and have been trying to figure out what I need.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

All those gaskets should still be good, but it's hard to say without looking. Might want to play it safe if they are cheap enough. For example, my vc gaskets were fine when they came off but SOMEHOW they stretched incredible amounts. No clue or reason as to why, they just did. When I went to put them back on, I had about 3" of slack. Anyways, moral of the story, I like to always be prepared for weird things like that.

massls1guy

iTrader: (9)

I replaced all the gaskets when I did my H/C, got the full kit from Thunder Racing. I also replaced the cam retainer plate which includes the gasket for the lifter galleys. I had about 110k on my motor when I did the swap. While you're in there why not replace them all.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Yea, I would go with, and have gone with, the Thunder Racing kit. It pretty much covers all bases.

BTW, a lot of people recommend upgrading the oil pump while you're in there. Of course, I'm assuming you are replacing your chain, if not your sprockets as well (just with a simple single roller kit and LS2 chain or something of the likes). Melling has two great replacement pumps.

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

massls1guy, I'm with you, I'm a while your in there type of guy.

Im trying to just get some insight from everyone because I wanted to get one of the kits from thunder but they all come with GM head gaskets which I don't need. So I want to know what other people did instead.

massls1guy

iTrader: (9)

The guys at Thunder Racing were pretty flexible with me. I bought their CAMPK-S TR224 cam/spring kit. My order was being held up because of the recent 918 spring issues - I'm not sure if they even carry that spring anymore. Anyway they still gave me the package discount minus the springs cost and I bought the springs somewhere else. Give them a call and see what they can do for you.

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

good stuff thanks

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Or, you can sell them on here for a couple dollar hit. People are always looking for head gaskets and don't want to pay dealer prices.

Viper

iTrader: (6)

I replaced all the gaskets; figured I was in there and it was worth piece of mind for the $200 or so (incl fluid etc).

GOGO

iTrader: (22)

You may want to consider copper sealant for the Cometics. In some instances people have had them leak with out sealant. I think it is just cheap insurance.

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

I sprayed mine with copper on first use, both times I've used cometics, never had a problem. There are also plenty of people who don't spray and have no problems as well. It would be up to you, but like GoGo, I might lean toward a light coat of copper spray gasket if you're not gonna be taking the heads back off any time soon.

LS1TORQ

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys, I probably will spray them just for insurance.