Installing heads question

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May 4, 2004 | 07:23 PM

cbota

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 252

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From: northern nj

Installing heads question

I have a 99 LS1 and would like to know how involved the head on the drivers side is. I will be installing new exhaust manifolds and intake manifold so I figured I will be 1/2 way there already. The passenger side appears that nothing has to be removed from the front of the block, but as far as the drivers side I can see the brackets that have to be removed but is there any other parts(oil pump, timing cover, etc.) that need to be removed. Is it a fairly easy job after I get the 3 manifolds off or is there more there that I cant see. Also will this be a better than having a cam installed in which I would pay someone to do. Thanks :seeya

[Modified by cbota, 8:23 PM 5/4/2004]

May 4, 2004 | 10:15 PM

simplyred02

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 124

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Re: Installing heads question (cbota)

The heads aren't that hard to do, don't be afraid of a few brackets. Always replace the head bolts with new ones and tourqing ls1 heads will wear you out so eat your wheaties.

May 4, 2004 | 10:16 PM

JoeyG

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2000

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From: St. Joseph MO

Cruise-In III Veteran

Cruise-In IV Veteran

Re: Installing heads question (cbota)

If you can afford heads and cam do it. Otherwise the popular majority opinion is to do cam before heads. But, some people have been very pleased with head swap and higher ratio rockers. :cheers:

May 5, 2004 | 01:09 AM

lowdowndirty

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2003

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From: "In a van down by the river" CO

Re: Installing heads question (JoeyG)

Heads alone are a lot easier to replace. There are a lot fewer steps involved and fewer parts to dismantle/remove. If you are set on the heads only, then do them with the forthought to take into consideration any future mods (cam, headers, forced induction, etc.) Chris.

May 5, 2004 | 01:17 AM

pdd000

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: dudley MA

Re: Installing heads question (lowdowndirty)

i would go with the cam first :smash:

May 5, 2004 | 09:14 AM

Mr. Jones

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 1,335

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From: Bedford Va.

Re: Installing heads question (pdd000)

go to this site and read the head/cam install. there are good pictures and tips here http://www.ls1howto.com/
get GM head gaskets and new head bolts

May 5, 2004 | 09:46 AM

Patches

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 23,283

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From: Lake Elsinore, CA

Re: Installing heads question (Mr. Jones)

Quote:

go to this site and read the head/cam install. there are good pictures and tips here http://www.ls1howto.com/
get GM head gaskets and new head bolts

:iagree: That's a great site and, as you can see, the cam swap would not be that much more work. I would do both heads and cam together to reap the full benefits of the swap. Also, the cam is relatively cheap in comparison to the heads so it's mostly a matter of the extra work. Also, you should upgrade the timing chain and oil pump and possibly add an underdrive pulley while you're at it.

Swapping heads alone is pretty simple and straightfoward. Another good upgrade while you have the heads off is the ARP head studs.

May 5, 2004 | 09:57 AM

ragtopws6

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Frederick Maryland

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11

Re: Installing heads question (Patches)

I would just save a little more and do the heads, cam and HEADERS at the same time! The headers are so much easier with the heads off. With these 3 performance mods you can gain up to 75-150RWHP. All depends on your combo. I did the H/C without the headers....I thought it was fast, until I got the headers on. H/C is good but to see the full potential you must have the headers to let the suckers breath. Just my $0.02.