Doing my heads soon, what all do I need?

[281pony]

i got a nice set of gt40 heads coming for my car.

im just going my heads. wondering what all im going to need doing the swap. so far i have this:

antifreeze
doing oil change (filter and 5 quarts)
new spark plugs
head gaskets
valve cover gaskets
lower intake gaskets
black rtv sealant

anything else i will need as far as special tools? ill need the lock for the fuel rails on the intake right? have a torque wrench. also, do the head gaskets come with the header gaskets or are those seperate?

thanks. this will be my first big project. next to my transmission/clutch job and new intake so far.

 

[TheUser]

For the lower intake gaskets, I'd recommend the Fel Pro's w/ the rubber ends (not cork!). You'll need an upper-to-lower intake gasket - Be sure and get one for a cobra intake, not stock because they're different as I'm sure you know.

You'll need new head bolts because they stretch and can't be reused; you could get head studs if you wish-they're stronger and can be reused a few times. ARP makes good stuff, so I'd get ARP bolts or studs. Get some ARP thread sealer for the lower head bolts and anti-seize for the top bolts.

Yes, Head and Header gaskets are seperate, so you'll need header gaskets as well. You might consider some Stage 8 Locking header bolts...a lot of people have problems w/ their header bolts backing out and these header bolts won't back out...I have them and they're good stuff.

Change your PCV valve and screen if it's been a while since you're back there anyway. A lot of people say to get this stuff from ford because they don't like the auto-parts stuff.

To help line the lower intake up, get some bolts the same size as stock, chop the heads off and use them as dowels - put one on each corner and drop the intake over them...lines it up and no messing around w/ moving gaskets and junk You can either slit the ends and use a screwdriver to remove them, or use vice grips.

To sum it all up:

Necessary/recommended:
Fel Pro lower intake gaskets w/ rubber ends~$20-30
Cobra upper-to-lower intake gasket~$20 for 5 I think
ARP Head bolts/studs~bolts=$40-45; Studs=$100
ARP Thread Sealant~$8-9
Anti-Seize~$5
Header Gaskets~$15-30

Optional:
Stage 8 Locking header bolts~$40
"dowels" to line up lower intake~$1
PCV valve & screen~$10-20

hope that helped

EDIT: If those are GT-40P heads, you can take your stock plugs back because they won't fit. I can tell you the plugs I have if you want-or you can search. You can also order some GT-40P headers because stock headers make it a pain to change spark plugs.

BTW, if you desire at any time to paint your headers while they're off...don't unless you know of some good high-temp paint. I used 1500* safe paint from autozone and it flaked

 

[281pony]

thanks that helped alot.

as i said, this is my biggest project on the car yet. im a little intimidated since ill be doing it all by myself unless i get screwed, my cousin might help me out.

i have the lower intake gaskets with the rubber pieces now not cork. the head bolts are something i will need to order aren't they? nothing an autoparts store carrys?

the heads are gt-40's. not the p's, those will retain the same plugs right?

 

[TheUser]

I doubt auto stores carry ARP stuff, so if you're going w/ ARP, you'd prob. have to order it from a speed shop or summitracing.com or something...the auto store may be able to get 'em for ya too. Don't forget the arp thread sealer.

I did mine myself for the first time last december in 25* weather outside, so keep your head up...it could be worse lol. Stangnet helped a bunch of course. Don't get in a hurry, read directions and post if you have any problems/questions. Take your time, torque to spec., clean everything really well w/ brake cleaner or gas. You might want a gasket scraper if you didn't include that in your list.

I'm really not sure about plugs; you could run a search or post for that.

 

[281pony]

i just made an order from summit.

arp head bolts
stage 8 locking header bolts
upper to lower cobra gasket kit (5)
head gasket kit for replacing heads (head gask, lower intake, header, valve, ect)

forgot the damn sealer. ill pick up the rest of the small stuff at the parts store between now and when i can install them.

i have a gasket scraper also. damn 25 degree weather? thats intense. although, i did have a piss bucket in our shop so i didnt have to leave for anything. i think my record was 23 hours straight trying to get my damn springs in, i woke up with a jack handle in my hand laying under the car at 5 am and started working on it again

 

[deftsound]

youll need to replace your thermostat gasket and while your at it replace the throttle body gasket, i just did mine