head gasket questions
A good head gasket would be the Impala replacements (available from just about everywhere). They're a bit thinner, will bump up your compression slightly, and can be done so without changing the pushrod length.
Before you go tearing into the motor, if you truly suspect a head gasket do a leak down/coolant pressure test. Also pull the plugs and see if any of them are cleaner than the rest (a leaky HG will steam clean the plugs).
No need to change the valve springs. Pull off the heads, have them cleaned/shaved, reinstall.
The task can be daunting at first. If you've never done something of this nature and aren't sure what you're in for plan on a FULL 2-day weekend. Having a COMPLETE set of tools is VERY critical.
There's a bunch of How-To posts on here. You should find a ton with a search.
Before you go tearing into the motor, if you truly suspect a head gasket do a leak down/coolant pressure test. Also pull the plugs and see if any of them are cleaner than the rest (a leaky HG will steam clean the plugs).
No need to change the valve springs. Pull off the heads, have them cleaned/shaved, reinstall.
The task can be daunting at first. If you've never done something of this nature and aren't sure what you're in for plan on a FULL 2-day weekend. Having a COMPLETE set of tools is VERY critical.
There's a bunch of How-To posts on here. You should find a ton with a search.
You're blindly advocating changing HG thickness AND milling the heads without checking or altering pushrod length?
You realize lift is measured in thousandths of inches right...? You're going to be adding .020-.030 preload to the lifter automatically, using the same adjustment method. Not to mention altering valvetrain geometry.
Or maybe you dont realize they are two different things?
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 179
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Kentucky
If you do have head gasket problems you can also use the Victor Reinz 5898 or the Mr. Gasket 5716. They are both .026 and although a little thinner are listed as Impala SS replacements. I think they are the same gasket and they will only cost about $20 each. I've used a ton of them with no issues.
You're blindly advocating changing HG thickness AND milling the heads without checking or altering pushrod length?
You realize lift is measured in thousandths of inches right...? You're going to be adding .020-.030 preload to the lifter automatically, using the same adjustment method. Not to mention altering valvetrain geometry.
Or maybe you dont realize they are two different things?
You realize lift is measured in thousandths of inches right...? You're going to be adding .020-.030 preload to the lifter automatically, using the same adjustment method. Not to mention altering valvetrain geometry.
Or maybe you dont realize they are two different things?
Stock HG is .049". Impy is .029", so that's .020" difference.
To skim the heads .005" is usually enough, but let's just assume .010".
Total, you're removing .03" of material. So ideally, you'd need a 7.17" pushrod. But pushrods only come in .05" increments. Must be for a reason I suppose.
Who makes a 7.17" pushrod? If you had to choose between a 7.15" and a 7.20" pushrod, it's ALWAYS better to go with the slightly longer rod.
I stand by my original post. For what the OP is doing on a stock bolt-on engine the stock length will be fine.
There is a leway with the Pushrod Length..they all come in inciments of .025" from what I've seen, go with the one that will give you close to .080" pre-load on the Lifter.
That's the way to measure with the LS1's, dont see there being much of a difference with the LT1 since the Lifter is Hydraulic aswell.
That's the way to measure with the LS1's, dont see there being much of a difference with the LT1 since the Lifter is Hydraulic aswell.
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 305
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From: Goldsboro NC
Alright so what is the best thing to do? Go with the stock head gasket size or go with the Impala's gaskets? How much of an improvement is a bump in compression on a stock engine? Also what kind of results will I get with changing the valve springs with the ones Defaultexistence posted?
Alright so what is the best thing to do? Go with the stock head gasket size or go with the Impala's gaskets? How much of an improvement is a bump in compression on a stock engine? Also what kind of results will I get with changing the valve springs with the ones Defaultexistence posted?
15-20hp combined off of compression bump,springs & RR's ?.... Maybe more once tuned ..
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Goldsboro NC
I can't do RR's right away, but I plan on doing springs and gaskets for now. RR's are on my list of upcoming mods though.
ALSO...I pulled out 3 spark plugs to see how they look, they have about 150 miles on them, and there is some type of white residue on the L shaped tip on the plug (NGK V powers). Something doesn't seem right, could that be burnt coolant on the plugs? It smells like gasoline but there is an obvious white residue on the plugs. Is it also a possibility that the engine is running lean?
ALSO...I pulled out 3 spark plugs to see how they look, they have about 150 miles on them, and there is some type of white residue on the L shaped tip on the plug (NGK V powers). Something doesn't seem right, could that be burnt coolant on the plugs? It smells like gasoline but there is an obvious white residue on the plugs. Is it also a possibility that the engine is running lean?
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Verdad Gallardo I can't do RR's right away, but I plan on doing springs and gaskets for now. RR's are on my list of upcoming mods though.
ALSO...I pulled out 3 spark plugs to see how they look, they have about 150 miles on them, and there is some type of white residue on the L shaped tip on the plug (NGK V powers). Something doesn't seem right, could that be burnt coolant on the plugs? It smells like gasoline but there is an obvious white residue on the plugs. Is it also a possibility that the engine is running lean?
ALSO...I pulled out 3 spark plugs to see how they look, they have about 150 miles on them, and there is some type of white residue on the L shaped tip on the plug (NGK V powers). Something doesn't seem right, could that be burnt coolant on the plugs? It smells like gasoline but there is an obvious white residue on the plugs. Is it also a possibility that the engine is running lean?
Budget rockers,
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...id=39203326536
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 305
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From: Goldsboro NC
Those are the spark plugs I pulled, I didn't have time to pull more but I hope you can see what I"m talking about, sorry aboiut the quality.
@Defaultexistence, thanks for the link I'm definately looking at those, however I'm guessing I'll need hardened pushrods, and some other thigns too. Are those self aligning or no?
Those are the spark plugs I pulled, I didn't have time to pull more but I hope you can see what I"m talking about, sorry aboiut the quality.
@Defaultexistence, thanks for the link I'm definately looking at those, however I'm guessing I'll need hardened pushrods, and some other thigns too. Are those self aligning or no?
! LolAlexsparts.com for pushrods too..
same as these and yes get NSA and hardened PR's , measure for proper PR size once you get to that point.. On alex's site there is a lt1 specific area btw.. 
.... I see no pictures.. 
the picture is a blank box with a ? On my iPhone.. 