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Topic: Changing out cylinder heads (Read 1629 times) previous topic - next topic

Changing out cylinder heads

How difficult is this? I assume not all that bad. I want to complete my mid HO swap and put some HO heads on. Any special tools required? I assume its just unbolt, remove, slap on a new gasket, bolt down new ones?
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Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Metal Matt;135987
I assume its just unbolt, remove, slap on a new gasket, bolt down new ones?


You've pretty much got it.  You know you'll have to unbolt pretty much everything that bolts onto the motor except the mounts, obviously.  All the front accessories and exhaust manifolds/headers.  Also want to make sure the bolt holes in the block are clean, gasket mating surfaces are clean, good new gaskets and torque the heads down in the specified order and ft-lbs.

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #2 –
Pick up a new set of head bolts too. The originals are torque to yeild, meaning they are only good for one install.

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #3 –
If your doing the heads you should spend the little extra time and put a different cam in too.
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Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #4 –
You should go ahead and replace all the bolts you can. Not only the head bolts but the intake manifold bolts and valve cover bolts as well. It's cheap insurance that everything is torqued properly and won't break.

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #5 –
I'd use 1.7 rr maybe new springs and seals and lap the valves. the 1.7 ratio will efectively increase your lift and duration.


louie
louie  :birdsmily:
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My famous last words:
It seemed like a good idea at the time.        88TC R.I.P.      88 Sport build in progress

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #6 –
Get a complete engine gasket set, this will include the valve seals aswell as anything else you might need.

Get a nice long pry bar to pry the exhaust manifolds apart incase you cant get them unboolted from the y-pipe.

Scott
1980 birds X 3, 1982 bird, 1984 XR7, 1988 TC

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #7 –
I unbolted my headers from the heads,but not the exhaust.Just let them hang there.Do replace the bolts.Get good gaskets,and stay away from the cheap stuff just to save a few bucks.Buy quality parts and do it right the first time.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #8 –
Torque it down properly and have the heads checked by a machine shop let them mill them true don’t do the job twice.

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #9 –
Yeah, I just left the exhaust manifolds hang there as well. They didn't get in the way any. There is definitely no need to unbolt them from the exhaust unless you're replacing them.

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #10 –
I agree with having a machine shop check them.It actually doesn't cost that much to have them work 'em up for you.$150 for the pair of mine.They should be done anytime,and I've alreay got my ported E-7's sold.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..
 

Changing out cylinder heads

Reply #11 –
When I install the distributor I use an old cap that I cut off the number one terminal so I can see where the rotor is lining up.
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86 5.0 Turbocoupe (Katrina), 87 5.0 Sport (Rita)