Are there any special tools you need beside a crank pulley puller when installing a set of heads and cam? Any bolts that need specific torque specs? Thanks for any heads & cam advice! :cheers:
Phillip

 

I've always heard you need new head bolts when removing & installing heads, because of bolt stretch (when they're properly torqued).

 

You need a torque angle meter for torquing the heads down with the NEW head bolts.

 

I have not done this on a C5 (I have on other cars) but i would sugest that you start by getting a copy of the factory service manual. Yes there are several bolts that will require specific torque values. The factory service is the best source for that sort of info. I it is an indispensable refferance item. You can find the manuals on line but unless you print the whole thing out on-line manuals are not very handy while you are gettin' dirty in the garage.

If you decide to get a set of manuals I would sugest that you check out Fichtner Chevrolet. They offer discounts to Corvetteforum members. They had the best price I could find when I bought my set.

 

:yesnod:

 

What is a torque angle meter? Is that the same thing as a torque wrench?
Phillip

 

Hi,
These sites have some good info.


http://www.ls1info.com/cam_install/
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001...cam/campg1.asp

The head bolts and the damper bolt are recommended as one-time use because they are stretch-to-torque. The M8 head bolts are not stretched so it would seem that they would be reusable. I have seen pictures of very bad things that happen when your damper comes off. One guy on LS1Tech measured a damper bolt before and after use and found a significant difference in length so they are stretching.

You can buy an angle meter for your existing torque wrench at an auto parts store. An alternate method is to torque the bolts to the pre-stretch torque value, mark the head of the bolt with a marker and then twist the bolt the recommended amount.

Chevy Parts Needed for Head Swap (Prices from Fitchner Chevy)
16 long "M-11" headbolts PN 12560744, $2.50/each
4 med "M-11" headbolts PN 12560745, $0.81/each
10 short "M-8" headbolts PN 12558840, $1.26/each
Head gaskets (early heads are different than late heads) check with Chevy if they sell them separate now. It may be in a “package”.
Valve covers gaskets 12560696 (2 needed), $5.38/each
Intake manifold gasket
Valley cover gasket, PN 12558178, $11.86
AIR tube gaskets PN 12553617 (2 needed), $0.81/each
Water pump gasket 12559271 (2 needed), $2.61/each

Chevy Parts Needed for Cam Swap
Timing cover gasket 12558013, $6.53
Balancer bolt 12557840, $2.63
Crankshaft oil seal 12550565
Water pump gasket 12559271 (2 needed), $2.61/each

A long bolt can help with damper installation, 16mm x 2 x 4.5”long @ NAPA
Or a length of threaded rod, 16mm x 2 x 6 to 8” long

Good luck,
Steve
:seeya



[Modified by SNW Vette, 3:23 PM 6/11/2002]