5.3 head installation help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Somers Point New Jersey
5.3 head installation help!
I have ported 5.3 heads I want to put on my 98 LS1. They are 862 castings. I am not sure what year they are therefore I don't know what head gaskets or head bolts to get. Does it even matter? It seems like some head gaskets are for Ls1's in general, but others are year specific, 97-01 and 02-04. What is the difference? Also, head bolts from gm are year specific, does that matter? they are different lengths right? Can anyone help me finish this damn job? IM VERY FRUSTRATED
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Somers Point New Jersey
I am thinking about ordering the GM 02-04 MLS head gaskets from summit. I believe they are .053"? Will these work?? Also, does anyone know if these ARE in fact .053" I have heard different numbers and can't get a solid answer. They are part# 12498544
See, thickness is a major issue. I want to keep my quench tight and compression high. Ideal would be like .046" but I'll settle for .053" because of price. But no way would I buy the .060" MLS's.
See, thickness is a major issue. I want to keep my quench tight and compression high. Ideal would be like .046" but I'll settle for .053" because of price. But no way would I buy the .060" MLS's.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 4
From: Pl Grove Utah
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Somers Point New Jersey
ok, gotcha. Use the early style bolts. Now, should I use early style head gaskets or 02-04 style head gaskets, or either one? Also, does anyone know FOR SURE the compressed thickness of GM's 12498544 or Felpro's Q9284PT head gaskets? This information is all that is holding me back from finishing this... can't seem to find solid answers.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Somers Point New Jersey
ok, I am told that the later mls gaskets are .060" and the early graphites are .056"
That's bad news. Looks like I'm going to have to spend 5X the amount to get the quench and compression I want.... I'm being strong armed.
Has anyone used the trick flow .045" head gaskets??
That's bad news. Looks like I'm going to have to spend 5X the amount to get the quench and compression I want.... I'm being strong armed.
Has anyone used the trick flow .045" head gaskets??
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
GM MLS gaskets set up right around 0.052" thick. If you want thinner, go Cometic. Too many leaking Fel Pro's from what I have seen from those who have run them.
Not sure on your cam, but you better check PTV as well. especially with 5.3's.
Not sure on your cam, but you better check PTV as well. especially with 5.3's.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 738
Likes: 2
From: Richmond VA
I'm installing these exact heads today (63 cc). Using GM's 12498544 and ARP 12pt studs PN 234-4316 (for all LS1/LS6 through 2003). GM gasket compresses to .052-.053
Last edited by Uncle John; Oct 28, 2008 at 10:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Somers Point New Jersey
ok, NOW I got a call back from the guy at summit. He called GM Performance for me and asked about the head gaskets. The guy at GM said they didn't have a listing for compressed thickness, but UNcompressed thickness is .051"
Talk about a million possibilities.......
Talk about a million possibilities.......
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Here is the information from GM powertrain for the 6.0 gasket. Hard to argue with the drawing. Also, download the GMPP catalog, all the compressed thicknesses are in there.
2006 Corvette LS2 head gasket p/n 12589227 per GM drawing.
Bore diameter 102.6 mm (4.039 in) per drawing.
Operating thickness 1.33 mm (.052 in) per drawing.
2006 Corvette LS2 head gasket p/n 12589227 per GM drawing.
Bore diameter 102.6 mm (4.039 in) per drawing.
Operating thickness 1.33 mm (.052 in) per drawing.
