I just ordered the LPE CNC aluminum L98 heads for a 383, and I need some help as to how I should go about installing these, I assume there are directions, but I want to know what all I have take off, etc. Do I need to take off the intake plenum? Give some details please. Thanks guys. :cheers:

 

Also, I have the 1:6.1 rockers, too.

 

You have to take EVERYTHING off to install heads.

Engine will look like this when it all comes off....



Then before the head gaskets and heads go on, you want it to look like this...

 

Is it absoluely necessary that I take the pushrods out? I am not sure, and saw that you did, just asking...

 

Yes, they go through the heads. Those are the easiest thing probably out of the whole project to put back in. :)

 

Hey guy, please don't take this the wrong way, but you might save a LOT of money in the long run by just paying a mechanic to do it. If you don't know what you're doing (which seems to be the case), you're going to cause MAJOR damage.

 

You may be right, but I think I have a good understanding, but I saw that a lot of you had already done this, and I was just asking, because well, you guys have the experience, and I do not. Buit yes, good point, but everyone has to start somewhere, and the experience helps more than anything.

Oh and thx scorp.


[Modified by lampedusa, 6:07 PM 5/21/2002]

 

Now that I look at that pic again, did you use steel wool to clean that block up Scorp? :confused:

 

I used what is called a 3M Roloc (sp?) disc on an air powered die grinder which cleans gasket and other meterials off of steel and aluminum.

 

Don't have one of those, maybe I could look into it, until then, looks like I'm gonna scarpe it off.

 

Im with JimIroc.... If you dont know what you are doing... pay someone to do it.... Im not ragging on anyone or thing... but you didnt even know if you have to take the pushrods out..... Sometimes, if you dont know how to do something... send it out.

 

I'm certainly not trying to insult your capabilities or even stop you from doing the mod yourself, but nobody painted like picaso the first time they picked up a paint brush. You have to take baby steps before you start jumping in over your head. A head swap is NOT a project for a beginner, and you're going to get yourself burried.

 

The 3M Roloc is sold at NAPA. Its green, about 2.5" round, with about a hundred rubber fingers (or brissels). It cleans up the heads and bock without gumming up, leaving deep scratches or shreading itself.

It is a terrific product that I will use again.

 

Maybe you are right Jim...
I got that pushrod idea because I have seen many guys slip the heads right over them. Of course they go through the head, but I just didn't see why Corvette heads would be any different from the Ford ones I saw swapped.

 

Oh Jim, I did not take it offensively, you are senior to me with this, and I respect that with my whole heart man, thanks for your input... :cheers:

 

I have to agree/disagree with Jim on this one.. In a sense, a head gasket change is not a beginners project, BUT, if you have mechanical abilities, a good manual, and are very good at following directions, it definately can be done as your first big car job (and I am speaking this from experience). You just have to be very careful, and take your time, and make sure you read the directions several times before you start.. find someone to talk to that has experience, and ask questions. When I got to the end of mine, and had 1) no bolts left over, and 2) a car that started up and ran great.. I felt SO good.. I say, if you are not completely mechaincaly inept, and are not under pressure to get it done fast, go for it! :cheers:

 

You will need a good GM Shop Manual for your car. It has specific direcions & specifications on parts and torque along with some useful pics of what things look like in there.

When I recently did my intake base I was apprehensive on getting the sealing correct to avoid leaks; the literature and discussion with Forum members was very helpful.

Doing your heads is a step beyond in care of reassembly, though not much more difficult to access (accessories must come completely off along with exhaust manifolds).

If you use care during disassembly and reassembly and label parts & bolts you should be ok. Oh, and be prepared for a copla runs to Sears & Auto Zone for tools and parts.

Also, avoid one of my pitfalls for the first time project and take digi pics at several stages so less reassembly is religated to memory. Though I failed to follow his lead well enough, I must thank Scorp for this idea.

If you are handy with tools and have the time you can do it. Of course it would be much easier if you had already had the valve covers & intake off already. But you will realy know your L98 when finished.

 

Thanks guys for all of your input. Do you boys have any idea where the best place for the Fel-Pro gaskets are? Any place online with the best price? Or would my local shop probably be the best? :cheers:


[Modified by lampedusa, 7:47 AM 5/22/2002]

 

I would suggest getting the gaskets at a local shop. For the upper half, along with a set of new head bolts, It cost me about $65 or so if I am remembering correctly.. it was $45 for the gasket set, and $20 for the new bolts. The nice thing about finding a local shop that can supply you with gaskets is, in the kit, they had given me the wrong intake gaskets. My local parts store was able to get me the right intake gaskets, and traded me for them. (and yes, they were all FelPro).

So it sounds like you are going to go ahead and do it yourself.. :cheers: !!! There will be times that you wish you didnt (Like when the whole engine is torn down, and you look around at all the parts you have to put back on!! :eek: ). But when all is said and done, you will learn A LOT about your engine, and will have the satisfaction of doing it all yourself. Best of luck, and dont hesitate to ask more questions when things come up during the process.

-Mark

 

Eh yes, I got some help, taking both your ideas and Jim's. I got a friend of the family who works on Corvettes for a living to help me out, because well, I want the experience, but I also want to be acreful, Thanks Scorp, mark, and Jim, you guys truly are friends.