New Vortec Head install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Leroy Township Ohio
New Vortec Head install
OK, just want to check one more final time before assembly this weekend. I have Vortec heads with new FelPro 1094 head gaskets (steel w/ rubber coating). Do I install dry without any sealants? Do they go "ridge up" for install? Sorry for all the confusion but just want to be sure before install.
Reddog76
Reddog76
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 3
From: kuwait
-use sealant on all head bolts threads,,
-make sure to follow the correct bolts Sequence/order & gm Torque Specification
-if your setup for carburation u need a differant intake manifold vortec style( 4bolts each side ) gasket for the intake
-also u need a differant water pump with reverse action
-clean the serfuce of the block and & make sure to match gasket with hole on the block
- dont rush things take your time
-make sure to follow the correct bolts Sequence/order & gm Torque Specification
-if your setup for carburation u need a differant intake manifold vortec style( 4bolts each side ) gasket for the intake
-also u need a differant water pump with reverse action
-clean the serfuce of the block and & make sure to match gasket with hole on the block
- dont rush things take your time
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 492
From: Salmon Arm, BC
Just to be clear......c31980 is mistaken,You DO NOT require a reverse rotation water pump for your engine, the stock water pump works just fine. The gaskets are installed dry.....I say again....dry, and yes the ridge is installed facing up. Yes you do use sealant on the bolts.
Have a great weekend!!
Have a great weekend!!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Long Jetty NSW
Hi Reddog 76. I've had my Vortec manifold on and off a number of times, each time I try to improve my technique a little. Because the manifold to head bolts on a Vortec are straight up & down (not at an angle as with normal manifolds & heads) I found that using some threaded rod at each corner helps to line up the manifold to the head. Just place the manifold over the 4 studs and gently lower it down. See photo below. Then, of course, peplace the studs with the proper bolts. I have also found that the bolts have a tendency to slacken off after torquing them down. I now check them a number of times, even a week or so after initial installation.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 201
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From: Leroy Township Ohio
Hey Bob Walker, do you use sealant and new gaskets on the intake to heads every time?? I was told to use some gasket sealer on the "water jacket" inlets on the heads and intake (Eldebrock Performer).
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Long Jetty NSW
Hi Reddog, as you can see from the photos, I'm using the GM Performance Intake Gaskets. I like them because they are made for the application, and they have little locating lugs that lock the gasket in place on the heads (assuming the heads have the holes for the locating lugs to fit in to). Yes, I replace them with new ones every time I pull the manifold off. I don't use gasket sealer all around, I just use it around the water ports, guess I have received the same advice as you have.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 24
From: Coastal Georgia
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
I can echo a couple of the points made here, as I just finished the install of a set of GMPP Fast Burn aluminum heads. I'd definitely use a little sealant around the water jackets, as I just had to pull the manifold back off and reseal due to a small coolant leak around one of the jackets. Also, make damn sure to check your bolts regularly. I checked mine at the same time I found the leak, and two of them were literally finger tight.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Just to be clear......c31980 is mistaken,You DO NOT require a reverse rotation water pump for your engine, the stock water pump works just fine. The gaskets are installed dry.....I say again....dry, and yes the ridge is installed facing up. Yes you do use sealant on the bolts.
Have a great weekend!!
Have a great weekend!!
if your heads and block are machined correct, there is no need for sealant on the head gasket ever, just the head bolts, and I do use a little on each corner when installing the intake manifold. As suggested install 4 thread rods, one in each corner to help guide the head into place and hold the head gasket in the correct position, add some head bolts after the heads are on, and pull the rods out
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
I did the threaded rod deal to help align my Vortec intake also. Don't forget to torqe the manifold to the proper spec. 132 in lbs or 11 ft lbs is what I used. Also, don't forget to check you distributor height!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Leroy Township Ohio
Thanks all.Great info.
Bytor, I still have your assembly photos from about 2 months ago. Jut now getting to assembly. Lots of prep, painting of every part taken off motor. Wanna make sure I do it correct. Happy Bunny Day all!!!
Bytor, I still have your assembly photos from about 2 months ago. Jut now getting to assembly. Lots of prep, painting of every part taken off motor. Wanna make sure I do it correct. Happy Bunny Day all!!!
