Dbeck's Headswap update.

[Dbeck002]

Ok I finally got all the rockers adjusted as per the general requirements i.e lifter preload, torque value etc..

I put the timing cover and water pump back on with new gaskets, RTV, and anti seize on the bolts this time ( i learned my lesson, broken bolts are teh w1n).


Now i want to bolt the headers up to the heads. This is a b1tch, the AFR heads are so hard to align perfectly with the headers. I dont know if its just me but the threaded holes in the heads wont let the bolt start unless its perfectly perpendicular. Long tubes are being blocked by the H pipe which i unbolted from them. Its still not working, dammit!!! Anyone have any tricks?


Anyway when thats done ill just bolt on the lower manifold and then the AC and PS brackets. Wish me luck!!!

 

[TheUser]

you might try making some "dowels" for the headers. Take a bolt the same size as your header bolts, chop the head off and put one on each end...now put the header up there over the two bolts and thread a nut over it to hold it on there while you start the other bolts. Don't torque anything just yet, you're only using this method to get the bolts in. Next, remove the "dowels" and put your bolts in the end holes and toqrue to the proper specficiations in the correct order...and don't forget the gasket

The "dowel" idea works wonders for the lower intake install as well. The bolts are 7/16" and I assume yours should be the same. I use 4 7/16" bolts w/ the heads chopped off. Put one on each corner and lower the perfectly aligned lower intake over them. Get some bolts in other places and then pull your dowels back out w/ vice grips - or you could slit the ends w/ a hacksaw before you use them and use a screwdriver to loosen.

Good Luck

 

[Dbeck002]

Sweet idea man, i got the headers in already but i will definately use this plan for the lower intake. I hate having to smudge perfect beads of RTV because of alignment problems.

Anyway thanks

 

[Dbeck002]

Picture time.




This was last week.

Notice the broken bolt in the block, Awesome!

 

[Dbeck002]

This was the past 2 days.




Heads are torqued down.

Rockers are adjusted.

 

[Dbeck002]

Ok today i finished bolting up the lower intake and also bought a set of some badass valve covers. Hopefully i should be running by tomorrow night. More pics on the way. Stay tuned.