I know this might sound elementary to some. I think Im very good with doing things on my own, but somethings Im just not sure of.
So here it goes...

When it comes to the Heads on our C5's can you just un-bolt the old heads (ls1) and put new ones on (ls6) by not doing anything more than just bolting them on? I just want to bolt and go without any tweaking really.
Im not handy with or have the tools to change things around with these computer controled cars.

thanks in advance guys.

David

 

I haven't done it either, but I've been trying to find out as mcuh as possible and I'm leaning towards doing a heads and cam swap this winter. It looks to be like a large job, and will take a lot of nights and weekends. That said, it also looks like it can be done by us noobs with input from experts.

The cam is not much more work from what I've read, and just doing heads will not get a lot of power. To get the most out of a head and cam swap you need to get a good tune. There could be a shop near you that can do that after you are done with the install, or there are mail-order tunes (you send them the computer and they reprogram and send it back). From what I've read so far it looks like a new cam and head will work with out reprogramming as long as they are not too radical, but they will not work to their potential or may be rough.

Take a look at this thread: http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=1

There are other things you can do to get a little more power, and experience/confidence to do the heads. Like LT headers or a new intake if you have a 2000 or latter model.

The decisions on what type of heads and cam are a lot more complex than you probably realize. You need to set some specific goals, like do you want a road racer, or drag racer or what? Do a lot of searches here and look around at the different opions, some of the vendors will help you out a lot as well.

 

Why are you changing your heads ?

If it is for performance you should probably be looking to replace the cam at the same time as you won't be able to take advantage of the improved airflow to its full potential.

You can unbolt your heads and bolt the new ones on, but you'll have to check for flatness to make sure everthing is within spec., elsewise you'll have to get the heads and or block decked.

 

I THINK??? you have to install NEW GM head bolts (don't reuse the old ones) since they are a torque to spec bolt and once they are used and removed, they can't be used again (if you go w/ ARP headbolts the ARP headbolts can be reused)

Also, you will need new head gaskets I believe

 

I don't think it's a dumb question...but, if you go into a project like this w/o the right tools and knowledge you're setting yourself up for failure and spending more money in the long run. Plan, prepare, invest in the tools, manuals, etc. While you're at it, plan for the related upgrades that will give you full benefit (bang) of your work and money.
Get someone to help you who is tech minded. These cars are not the old "forgiving" carbureted cars of the past.

 

I would recommend getting a copy of the LS1 / LS6 book by Will Handzel (SP?) - there is a ton of great info in there, and even step-by-step pictures to show you what needs to be done. Check Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble, etc.

And, of course, keep asking all these helpful Vette owners around here!

 

Thanks everyone. i think I will just have to OPEN my Wallet a little more and have someone do this. I didnt know the cam was so important. I kne it was but it seems they all go togeatehr more than I thought. Im just trying to get to the 400 HP mark.

Thanks again

 

I don't think that a set of heads alone will get you to 400 RWHP.

A decent cam, heads, and headers/catbacks will get you there. I see that you have a 6spd so you have a 3:42 rear already.

I would talk to one of the sponsering tuners in your area. See what they recommend.


Bob K.

 

Changing heads on a C5 is pretty easy. But if you have never done internal engine work you are probably better off having someone else do the job. But another option is if you know someone who does this type of work. If you can get them to help you to make sure it is done correctly, you can learn a lot and it can be very rewarding to know that you did the work yourself.

Like others have said above, just a head swap is not going to give you alot. Changing the cam is where the power is at. Of course changing the cam will get you a lot more out of a head swap. I'm guessing just swamping from LS1 to LS6 heads will give you maybe 6-8HP.

 

I agree, I think ou should get a mechanic to do it for you.
You will be MUCH more comfortable driving it, if you knwo they were installed right.

I also say, that the CAM is the one power item that can really changed the attitude of the car.

Try to do a Longtube header system as well, this with a cam, and a good air intake, and a nice tune will get you to 400rwp.

Stock maybe 320hp to the wheels: + 40-50hp for cam, 10-20hp for headers, 5hp intake, 10-20hp for tune.

 

Some things to keep in mind, as has been said, heads alone won't do much for you, unless you go for higher compression by milling the heads or buying heads with smaller combustion chambers. Milling will require new shorter push rods as the LS1 rocker arms aren't adjustable. A new hi-performance cam will benefit from Ported and Polished heads in the upper rpm range while giving up some low speed driveablity. Also, with a big cam, you give up valve train dependability as the componenets are under bigger stress loads from higher lift, stiffer springs, and higher rpm's. Basically, it's all a trade off and there's no frree lunch.

 

...you don't want this to happen to you...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1467023

 

I'm right in the middle of doing a H/C/FAST90 install on my ZO6. It's my first time doing this sort of thing in over 30 years. A lot has changed since those days, but a Corvette has some special challenges. The excellent step-by-step instructions @ LS1howto.com seem pretty thorough (so far) but has a few differences because of my having a later model/ZO6. A couple of tips (for all years) include the difficult radiator removal is really easy by pushing up from underneath the car, instead of trying to pull it out. And after you remove the waterpump, shop-vacuum all the water ports in the block, and you'll have virtually no coolant when you pull the heads. This really works. I just about panicked and gave up for the night while removing the steering rack. This was the most difficult part so far, and I dread getting everything back together, and all hooked up. I was quoted over 2k for the install, plus tuning, and I figured it would be a fun project, and save all that loot. The jury's still out until I complete the work, but everything has been much better after the steering rack removal. BTW, like others have said, do the cam at the same time. The gains are worth it, and you're %95 of the way there once you have the heads off. Good luck.