[Z06] My DIY LS7 Headswap
#122
Premium Supporting Vendor
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: www.EXOTICVETTE.com - FL Cruise-In VI, VII, & VIII
Posts: 6,853
Received 120 Likes
on
91 Posts
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Dumb question but what's the benefit of ARP over stock head bolts? Better quality material for more reliable head seal over time?
#124
Burning Brakes
Is step 23b needed? Im ordering a complete head...
Also, can i use prestone coolant? I have a jug sitting in garage, im in germany so its hard to find the gm fluid...
Also, can i use prestone coolant? I have a jug sitting in garage, im in germany so its hard to find the gm fluid...
#125
Advanced
Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: Happy Valley OR
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#126
Burning Brakes
I started working today, put in about two hours (im in germany, so its evening here), will continue tomorrow. Would anyone be mind enough to post some more pics, since most in original post dont work.
Also, i only got to the step of releasing the power steering pump, but i cant get the two long bolts out... Is it necessary? I almost got the alternator bracket out(got all the bolts out), but i cant remove it, the buttom part with the pulley doesnt want to come out... Am i missing something?
Also, i only got to the step of releasing the power steering pump, but i cant get the two long bolts out... Is it necessary? I almost got the alternator bracket out(got all the bolts out), but i cant remove it, the buttom part with the pulley doesnt want to come out... Am i missing something?
#127
Drifting
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Cocoa Florida
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes all the power steering bolts need to come out. Theres one that's REALLY tricky. could be the one youre fighting with. I found leaning over from the passenger side of the car its almost stupid simple to reach and once you have the pump off you can get the brackets off.
The alternator bracket should be easy if I remember?
The alternator bracket should be easy if I remember?
#128
Burning Brakes
1st off... Thanks for this DIY. I referred to it many times during my head swap, and it made it relatively painless to do. Some parts that were supposed to be tough, wound up being easy for me, but I got hung up on others, so in the end pretty much even.
One suggestion that I would like to include, would be when you need to turn over the engine manually(for pushrod measuring or GM rocker arm procedure), and have an ARP 12 pt crank bolt, it is impossible to do so without moving the steering rack!
Instead, I found a post by DRM, that said to use the Alternator bolt. It mentions adding a little tension to the belt, so not sure if that is possible with the stock tensioner.(I have a Katech, which I manually torqued to 28 ft/lbs.) That was enough to easily turn the engine with a 24mm socket and 1/2 rachet.
One suggestion that I would like to include, would be when you need to turn over the engine manually(for pushrod measuring or GM rocker arm procedure), and have an ARP 12 pt crank bolt, it is impossible to do so without moving the steering rack!
Instead, I found a post by DRM, that said to use the Alternator bolt. It mentions adding a little tension to the belt, so not sure if that is possible with the stock tensioner.(I have a Katech, which I manually torqued to 28 ft/lbs.) That was enough to easily turn the engine with a 24mm socket and 1/2 rachet.
#130
Tech Contributor
The new bolts come with sealer on them. Be sure and clean out the old sealer out of the holes, many folks cut a slot in the old bolts to make a makeshift tap. Be sure and clean out the holes well with air and get any water out too or you'll crack the block.
#133
Drifting
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Cocoa Florida
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used lots of qtips and the straw vac method too.
I don't remember if I used it on the heads or just the threads. I believe just the threads but I could be wrong. I followed whatever directions it said.
I don't remember if I used it on the heads or just the threads. I believe just the threads but I could be wrong. I followed whatever directions it said.
#137
Im not sure if someone mentioned it or not, but I like to do the initial start with the 2 white coil pack connectors disconnected so it won't fire right away and prime the engine with oil.
Thanks for the great write up
Edit: I guess if you're not doing the oil pump and cam etc.. its not as crucial
Thanks for the great write up
Edit: I guess if you're not doing the oil pump and cam etc.. its not as crucial
#139
Burning Brakes
Sub for later review....