A couple of head questions
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Chelsea, Michigan
A couple of head questions Im in the middle of building my LT1. I'm sure most of you have seen my build thread.
355, stock rods, stock crank, arp rod and main bolts
LE 226/232 .576 .571 110lsa
I really want to send my heads to AI but building my trans is more of a priority. I was looking to get them milled .020 and using the impala headgaskets.
Would I be ok not getting a valve job? I really don't want to port the heads till next winter at least. I think a valve jobs alone is ~$400 isn't it? I was hoping I could hold off on valve job and porting the heads until later on.
Suggestions/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated.
355, stock rods, stock crank, arp rod and main bolts
LE 226/232 .576 .571 110lsa
I really want to send my heads to AI but building my trans is more of a priority. I was looking to get them milled .020 and using the impala headgaskets.
Would I be ok not getting a valve job? I really don't want to port the heads till next winter at least. I think a valve jobs alone is ~$400 isn't it? I was hoping I could hold off on valve job and porting the heads until later on.
Suggestions/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated.
Last edited by mcalus; Jan 8, 2012 at 10:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Chelsea, Michigan
I have been working on this car for 2 years now, my goal is to have it running and presentable by June for a local meet and greet. I have a lot of paint and body work to do yet. Plus lots to buy. Build trans, exhaust, suspension, tires, plugs, wires, valve springs, headgaskets, motor mounts.
I haven't stumbled across that money tree yet
I haven't stumbled across that money tree yet
How many miles are on the heads? $400 sounds high for just a valve job. Tax return time is right around the corner....I would do it once and do it right and just get some ported heads; you may be able to find some used ones cheaper than you think.
Of course you'll be OK not getting a valve job.
Wait until you get them ported to do it.
Just go with the proper spring setup, and it will run great with that cam for the time being, a lot stronger than stock!
You're smart putting the money into the trans at this point. It will need to be stout when you start hitting it with the higher rpm shifts
Wait until you get them ported to do it.
Just go with the proper spring setup, and it will run great with that cam for the time being, a lot stronger than stock!
You're smart putting the money into the trans at this point. It will need to be stout when you start hitting it with the higher rpm shifts
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Chelsea, Michigan
They are stock heads with ~130k on them.
I just don't know very much about heads. I already have comp 1.6 rr's, diamond chromoly pushrods (still plan on measuring before installation, just got a good deal on them) guideplates and 7/16" studs.
I was thinking of going with the Alex springs
I just don't know very much about heads. I already have comp 1.6 rr's, diamond chromoly pushrods (still plan on measuring before installation, just got a good deal on them) guideplates and 7/16" studs.
I was thinking of going with the Alex springs
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
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From: Chelsea, Michigan
Another question, do I need to take all of my valvetrain out before I take them to the machine shop? It's just the stock stuff in them still. Do I keep the valves in? In regards to getting them milled.
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Call them up and ask. If you don't have the means to remove them I'm sure they'll do it for you.
I would run it as is.
I think decking them moderately heavily as you are proposing now would make them a hassle to CNC the chambers on later anyway so your plan might just make them no longer any good as cores for porting.
I think decking them moderately heavily as you are proposing now would make them a hassle to CNC the chambers on later anyway so your plan might just make them no longer any good as cores for porting.
I don't know if those Alex springs will be enough for that cam. Lloyd spec'd me a cam pretty close to yours and recommended at least comp 918s. I would double check. If I remember right the head gasket is part #5898. That's what I just ordered for my car anyway. I wound up going with the Patriot Gold Extreme springs.
Last edited by rich5368; Jan 5, 2012 at 11:03 PM. Reason: Grammer
The Alex springs are supposed to be fine but there is more to picking a spring than just valve lift. I would ask Lloyd since he designed the cam. The lobes may be too aggressive and you may need a spring with more pressure. You could list the advertised duration numbers and it would help guys on here to see how aggresive the lobes are if you don't want to contact Lloyd.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Chelsea, Michigan
the alex springs are supposed to be fine but there is more to picking a spring than just valve lift. I would ask lloyd since he designed the cam. The lobes may be too aggressive and you may need a spring with more pressure. You could list the advertised duration numbers and it would help guys on here to see how aggresive the lobes are if you don't want to contact lloyd.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 1
From: Chelsea, Michigan
What about valve seals? Anyone have a part number on the impala headgaskets?
So the springs I bought that Lloyd recommended are an o.d of 1.4xx and a stock lt1 spring o.d is 1.2xx.
Will I have to machine the seat on the head to make it fit?
So the springs I bought that Lloyd recommended are an o.d of 1.4xx and a stock lt1 spring o.d is 1.2xx.
Will I have to machine the seat on the head to make it fit?
Link for head gasket. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12553160/
If you go to the dealership tell them GM Performance 12553160 if the part number isn't exactly the same as 12553160 don't open them because they are probably stock lt1 gaskets. For some reason my dealership likes to cross reference the wrong part numbers.
If you go to the dealership tell them GM Performance 12553160 if the part number isn't exactly the same as 12553160 don't open them because they are probably stock lt1 gaskets. For some reason my dealership likes to cross reference the wrong part numbers.
