Putting the heads on

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 11, 2008 | 08:09 PM

MTBSully

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,265

Likes: 18

From: Bolton Masshole

Putting the heads on

Well I took the passengers side head off today and i am going to hopefully be putting it back on tommorow. I used an air tool with a rough scotch-brite attatchment and scrubbed the head and block so they are sqeaky clean.Tommorow I will hit it with some brake cleaner before putting it together. Anything else i should be aware of? Should i chase the threads in the block? If i put 30wt motor oil under the washers of my arp bolts, i should torque them to 85ft/lbs right? Thanks guys. Any tips are appreciated.

Jul 11, 2008 | 08:17 PM

C5042081

TECH Enthusiast

iTrader: (5)

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 569

Likes: 0

From: Harleysville, Pa

chasing the threads will give you a more accurate tq reading, make sure u tighten the bolts in the right pattern not all at once

Jul 11, 2008 | 09:14 PM

1badzee

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (12)

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 0

From: SFL

Yeah chase the threads and tap the block to clean it. I don't know about 80lbs.. GM suggests 65lbs for the head bolts, but DART suggests 70lbs. I went with DART's suggestions ;D

Jul 11, 2008 | 10:15 PM

ulakovic22

TECH Resident

iTrader: (12)

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 956

Likes: 1

From: Lantana, TX

You pretty much nailed it. Chase the threads and use some oil. Torque to the fastener not GM spec, unless you are using stock torque yield bolts.

Jul 12, 2008 | 12:33 PM

Compstall

TECH Enthusiast

iTrader: (5)

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 607

Likes: 0

From: Tacoma, WA

I prefer torquing heads down in stages, i.e. if your final head torque is 70 lbs., start with say, 25, then 50, then 70.

Jul 12, 2008 | 12:47 PM

1badzee

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (12)

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 0

From: SFL

True ^^

I did 45, 55, 70. doesnt really matter as long as it's 3 increasing sets in the correct pattern

Jul 12, 2008 | 01:09 PM

LS1Silverado05

TECH Addict

iTrader: (41)

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 2,374

Likes: 1

From: Classified

Any concern with using scotchbrite on the heads? When I was on the LS1 bus it was heavily suggested that you NOT use anything other than a bristle type tool so that the aluminum does not end up uneven (GM also recommends this)... Just wondering because of our heads, has anyone ever had any trouble?..

Trending Topics

Canted valve heads

139

15.6k
Is this catch can setup safe to run like this?

17

429
Misfire & White Spark Plug Strap

10

268
Snapped rocker bolt

40

1k
LS3 - MAF Frequency Fail High Setting

6

146

Jul 12, 2008 | 02:13 PM

MTBSully

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,265

Likes: 18

From: Bolton Masshole

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1Silverado05

I think that as long as you go easy you will be fine. I was too scared to do it, so i had my mechanic at work (who owns a 69 700rwhp camaro and has a lot of sbc knowledge) do it for me. He said you have to be careful, but you can do it.

Last few questions. My arp bolts say to put 30wt motor oil under the bolts and then torque all bolts to 85ft/lbs. Is this too much? Should i follow the Haynes repair manual torque specs instead?

Also should i put thread sealant on ALL of the head bolts? I'm about to run to napa to get some thread sealant.