Head swap with motor in place
- Thread starter zuluking
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Getting exhaust on/ off with headers, accessing bolts at the rear, manifold clearance, aligning things up putting on the new heads.... Would you at least be lowering the motor a little to get some more room?
Seems a better idea to drop the motor out of the car, probably faster overall and less likely to damage paint in the engine bay from working in a confined space.
Seems a better idea to drop the motor out of the car, probably faster overall and less likely to damage paint in the engine bay from working in a confined space.
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I've done it and getting the torque wrench on the head bolts is the biggest challenge. It helps to have as many combinations of extensions, deep sockets and adaptors as possible because some of the bolts are very confined. Still far easier than pulling the engine.
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- 347
head swapping while in the car
I did this many years ago about a week after I purchased my car. It started out with an oil leak, this led to portions of the dipstick tube coming out with the dipstick, I needed to drop the oil pan, while doing that I noticed the timing chain was loose. At this point in my folks dimly lit garage I decided while I'm at, I think I'll check the heads. This job is do able,but don't be in a hurry, you need to set small goals for yourself on these cars and it takes as long as it takes with your own skill set. Once the heads were off, I found out it was a good idea as the valve guides had seen work before, the previous owner had them knurled to take up the slack. I'm not sure if this practice is still performed these days. New guides were installed along with a valve grind. Then the tidying up of the components. The re and re of the heads while the engine was in the car was a bit of a bear but in the end was worth the $$ and all the chipped knuckels. The first outing in the car with my scabby fingers was an ear to ear smile as it ran very nice! I encourage you to pick up the wrenches, go at your own pace, and walk away when thoughts of hurling the heaviest thing you can find across the room
It's amazing what can be accomplished the next day with a clear head.
Brian
I did this many years ago about a week after I purchased my car. It started out with an oil leak, this led to portions of the dipstick tube coming out with the dipstick, I needed to drop the oil pan, while doing that I noticed the timing chain was loose. At this point in my folks dimly lit garage I decided while I'm at, I think I'll check the heads. This job is do able,but don't be in a hurry, you need to set small goals for yourself on these cars and it takes as long as it takes with your own skill set. Once the heads were off, I found out it was a good idea as the valve guides had seen work before, the previous owner had them knurled to take up the slack. I'm not sure if this practice is still performed these days. New guides were installed along with a valve grind. Then the tidying up of the components. The re and re of the heads while the engine was in the car was a bit of a bear but in the end was worth the $$ and all the chipped knuckels. The first outing in the car with my scabby fingers was an ear to ear smile as it ran very nice! I encourage you to pick up the wrenches, go at your own pace, and walk away when thoughts of hurling the heaviest thing you can find across the room
It's amazing what can be accomplished the next day with a clear head. Brian
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- 400
Double check...
Double check what parts you can get in or out in what sequence!
The rear push rods come to mind, a bit tuff with the heads / rocker studs in place.
They may have to come and go WITH the heads.
Also, some bolts are tight, depending on what parts you have.
...It's not what is usually thought of as a pleasant job.
Double check what parts you can get in or out in what sequence!
The rear push rods come to mind, a bit tuff with the heads / rocker studs in place.
They may have to come and go WITH the heads.
Also, some bolts are tight, depending on what parts you have.
...It's not what is usually thought of as a pleasant job.