Started on my head swap.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
Started on my head swap.
It warmed up in Ohio to a blistering 35 degrees. I moved the Vette to the center of the garage removed the fuel rail covers and went back inside. I know I can have the heads off in a few hours I just cant get motivated.
The cold is just kicking my butt. My friend is going to bring over a torpedo heater. Maybe just maybe I can get moving.
The cold is just kicking my butt. My friend is going to bring over a torpedo heater. Maybe just maybe I can get moving.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Great post! 
I'll revisit this thread in April, hope you have the manifold off by then.
Kidding of course
I know cold and yes working in it sucks.
Good luck with the project, the time will go quick once you dig into it.
I'll revisit this thread in April, hope you have the manifold off by then.
Kidding of course
I know cold and yes working in it sucks. Good luck with the project, the time will go quick once you dig into it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 2
From: Cedarburg, WI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
Have you done this kind of work before?
The reason I ask is that I will be doing my heads in the garage in a few weeks. I do have experience as I did heads/cam on my '02 Z28 a few years ago. That job really sucked, not because of the technical issues, but because it was too cold to ever get comfortable (it was in the mid 30's but I had a small space heater). Not to mention my back wasn't too thrilled with the work either. I really want to get these heads on my car but I keep putting it off. I think maybe I should wait until the spring. Keep us posted with the progress. Maybe I'll get motivated.
The reason I ask is that I will be doing my heads in the garage in a few weeks. I do have experience as I did heads/cam on my '02 Z28 a few years ago. That job really sucked, not because of the technical issues, but because it was too cold to ever get comfortable (it was in the mid 30's but I had a small space heater). Not to mention my back wasn't too thrilled with the work either. I really want to get these heads on my car but I keep putting it off. I think maybe I should wait until the spring. Keep us posted with the progress. Maybe I'll get motivated.
Team Owner
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a blistering 35 degrees.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
Yeah, Ive been working on cars for years. When I was 16 I took my moms 1977 Buick Rubber City Special and yanked the 231 CID and dropped a 1970 350 CID in its place. That was my first car. I wasn't a spoiled kid and have always wanted to go faster. So, I had to make do with what I had. Ive probably owned 40 cars and wrenched on all of them. Thats my story. Well, the short version.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
Wow, i have watched ur cam swap thread, and now heads too BTW Heads specs? Keep posting pics man, people love pics here u already knew that. A little more commentary would be great. GL on proect.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
The heads are just the 5.3's milled to 59cc with bigger valves, ported, polished and new dual springs. While its apart Im going to put the Vararam on, nitrous kit and line lock. I told my wife I wanted to put a roll bar in and she kind of got mad. It was weird, the only mod that she didn't like. I will take many pics if you like.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Did mine in the fall and it was warm when I started but had gotten cold when I finished. Careful of any heaters that have open elements (or worse flame) working chemicals. Personally, I would wait for warmer weather as the roads are white with salt and covered with sand right now anyhow 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
Well, against good advice, sound judgment and common sense I worked on my car today for about two hours. Pics are for you Sami. I know you like pics. It wasnt too bad, you know, 30 degrees. I cant really feel my toes and Im looking for a good plastic surgeon to put my fingers back on my hands. Other than that, it went pretty well. If I dont get back to the car a for a month its OK with me. It will give me time to make some decisions. Im upgrading to the LS6 PVC system with a catch can. Just need to decide on injectors etc. All that need done now is getting the power steering bracket out of the way, get it in the air, drain coolant, unbolt long tubes and get the heads off. I took a peak at my cam and it looks perfect.
Alt. off
Brand new springs and Ti retainers I dont need now.
Intake off
So I remember where this goes.
Valley cover off.
Cam looks good
Done for today, Josh if you read this and feel the urge to stop by feel free!
Alt. off
Brand new springs and Ti retainers I dont need now.
Intake off
So I remember where this goes.
Valley cover off.
Cam looks good
Done for today, Josh if you read this and feel the urge to stop by feel free!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
Wow man u did a lot of work in short time and even in low 30 temp, i live in Toronto so i can feel ur pain working in cold.
I have a spare 28.8lbs stock 2003 Z06 injectors if u need those let me know i be glad to sell u for a fraction of cost. Also i did have LS1-LS6 plate (plate and rubber hose) both inectors and LS6 plate i can sell u for unforgettable price. Pm me.
Oh i really enoyed ur pics and thanks bunch for it. Sami
I have a spare 28.8lbs stock 2003 Z06 injectors if u need those let me know i be glad to sell u for a fraction of cost. Also i did have LS1-LS6 plate (plate and rubber hose) both inectors and LS6 plate i can sell u for unforgettable price. Pm me.
Oh i really enoyed ur pics and thanks bunch for it. Sami
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
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From: Pasco WA
I did my H/C during the winter, too, about three winters ago. My small two-car garage had to be abandoned by my wifes car, and with that out of the way, I got a couple of small space heaters, and got the temp. up to about 55-60. Perfect for wrenching. Hang in there, bro., and good luck with the results.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
From: West Yarmouth MA.
I'm doing my heads and cam too right now and have been just taking my time and enjoying spending some quality time with my car. No hurry it's snowing out anyway. When i get frustrated i shut off the lights and go in the house. For all you guys who live in cold climates I strongly urge taking the time to insulate and properly heat your garages. I installed a hot water Modine heater that runs off my boiler on it's own zone. It's the best thing I ever did. Lots of lights and cable tv is nice too.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
