h/c install
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Houston TEXAS
I would say go for it, b/c the only thing better than mods are mods that you do yourself. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Yes you can do it yourself if you are handy & have some motorhead sense, or have a good friend that does....but if you make a mistake it could cost you way more than you would save. If in doubt, find a good member shop near you that comes highly recomended by fellow CF members.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Yes you can do it yourself if you are handy & have some motorhead sense, or have a good friend that does....but if you make a mistake it could cost you way more than you would save. If in doubt, find a good member shop near you that comes highly recomended by fellow CF members.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria Illinois
all included for parts and tune, mine was a DIY job at 3100$ heads and cam were only 1900. its the little stuff that adds up. also. get the instructons of ls1howto.com
just for reference....BUY A NEW FRONT SEAL!!!
just for reference....BUY A NEW FRONT SEAL!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
The most important part of a heads/cam swap is patience.... do not hurry, especially when removing or installing the cam.
Another good idea would be to read over some 'how to's' so you have an idea of what goes where.
Good Luck,
JR
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Silver Spring, MD
I am certainly in the camp of wanting to do this myself. I had my cam done by a "professional" mechanic/friend and was there most of the way assisting. It was an expensive learning process but worth in the long run if I can do it myself at some later point. I am getting real itchy to swap out the cam (went with baby cam-MTI Stealth II) but will wait until I have the $$ for heads at the same time. Still recovering from the wedding!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
I do all my own work on my Z/28. I always take it very slowly. I did the cam and roller rockers over a day and a half with multiple long breaks. I did the heads over 2 weekends. None of it was rocket science but it was definitely physically demanding (my back mostly). It also helps to be confortable using tools. I will be performing the same mods on my C5- heads/cam/exhaust. It gives you an awesome feeling to know that you did it all yourself. You can now talk the talk.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 559
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa Kansas
Before I did my head/cam install, all I had ever done to a car was put on headers. With LS1howto.com's instructions, I made it through successfully with a few minor hiccups. Just take your time and follow directions. And if money is an issue, research the heck out of EVERYTHING you need to buy. Starting from scratch with no LS6 intake manifold and stock exhaust, I wound up spending about $4,400 (including a $500 tune). The headers and intake manifold are what throw my numbers off from 02GT350's post.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Before I did my head/cam install, all I had ever done to a car was put on headers. With LS1howto.com's instructions, I made it through successfully with a few minor hiccups. Just take your time and follow directions. And if money is an issue, research the heck out of EVERYTHING you need to buy. Starting from scratch with no LS6 intake manifold and stock exhaust, I wound up spending about $4,400 (including a $500 tune). The headers and intake manifold are what throw my numbers off from 02GT350's post.
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 1
From: Anaheim Hills CA
I did a H/C install on mine a couple months ago and had fun doing it. I had changed exhaust systems, suspension pieces, etc. in the past but it was my first time ever doing something that extensive. It was a little daunting at first, but as you move along you get a lot more comfortable with the work.
Like others posters have said...just download the instructions off ls1howto and have at it.
Like others posters have said...just download the instructions off ls1howto and have at it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Seaside Ca.
I did mine with ls1howto instructions also with no help. I found it a pia to try to pull the radiator/fan assembly through the top by myself. I disconnected the fan assembly from the radiator and dropped it from the bottom without the swaybar in place and the radiator from the top. I reversed it during reassembly....much easier if you are doing it by yourself. Overall great instructions..wouldn't have tried it otherwise.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 0
I do all my own work on my Z/28. I always take it very slowly. I did the cam and roller rockers over a day and a half with multiple long breaks. I did the heads over 2 weekends. None of it was rocket science but it was definitely physically demanding (my back mostly). It also helps to be confortable using tools. I will be performing the same mods on my C5- heads/cam/exhaust. It gives you an awesome feeling to know that you did it all yourself. You can now talk the talk.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,707
Likes: 1
From: Lynnfield MA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
IMHO, do not attempt to do it yourself unless you have an experienced individual that has done it before helping you. There are way too many variables that could could wrong and you want it done right the first time. 