Installing Heads
Installing Heads I am just wondering if there is any sealant I should use when I install my le1 heads using the Victor Reinz 5898 .026" gasket. And will there be plenty of room to torque the heads with the block in the car? I just want to be sure I do it correctly.
ok that sounds good; I am going to drop the short block in and install the heads in the car. Now I just need to figure out what oil I should use to break the new motor in. Should I spray the head gaskets with that copper spray?
are you dropping it in from the top and the bottom? why not install the heads first? and on the copper spray I have heard it doesnt hurt but also that it doesnt help, so i am not sure
if you have a 15mm (if i remember correctly) ratcheting wrench its pretty easy to get to the trans bolts with the heads on but the intake manifold off. When i put my motor back in I am gonna bolt the tranny and motor together and roll it in from underneath. it is sooo much easier in my opinion to do it that way. and since you have the shortblock out all you gotta do is drop the k member.
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On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Dunedin, Florida
I've done it both ways it is much easier to put the heads on and set the valves outside the car. Although it was a pain to get to the tranny bolts as you mentioned= but, If it is easier to get to them with the intake off I would consider doing that. There is room to do it but if I had the motor out that is how I would do it.
Your better off bolting on the heads then adjust the valves before installing the engine... it'll be much more comfortable. Installing the trans can be a pita but imho its easier to install the bellhousing first then the trans. You should only need 1-2 extensions and a swivel to reach the top bolts..same thing with the trans bolts. Let the trans tilt down a bit and tighten down the two top bolts then after that everything else is easy.
To get the trans bolts in it is easier to use a bunch of extentions and a ratchet from behind the trans. should end up with about 2 1/2 to 3 feet of extentions but I find you can get 5 out of the 6 this way with no problem. Then there is always that PITA one second from the bottom on the drivers side. I still have not figured a good way to deal with this one other then putting a hole in the foot well of the driver side and use a plug to plug the hole after install.
put the heads on and set the valves then bolt the tranny on and it will slide right in from the top.tranny puts it at the perfect angle. get someone to lay under there and guide that back of the tranny and slide her in
