Question about heads

[GLS_Jeff]

Hi guys my HG went on my 2000 GLS with 86k miles. I can set of LX9 heads from a 05 G6 for $250 and was wondering if it will bolt right onto my engine and intake? And if so should I go with the MLS stainless gaskets from WOT-Tech? Thanks guys

[Gr1m]

why would you need to replace your heads? is there anything wrong with them?

[GLS_Jeff]

No I believe they are fine. So I guess another question would be, would there be a noticable difference to constitute the $250 investiment?

[Gr1m]

no there is really no point, just replace the gaskets and torque to specs

[GLS_Jeff]

Oh ok great. thanks for saving me cash. Should I get stock gaskets or those fancy Wot-tech ones for $150?

[MMGT1]

If I may, Fel-Pro has an "updated kit" for the 3400's. They are totally fine for what you are into imo

[Gr1m]

yea ive done mine with felpro and havent had a problem. they sell an entire engine gasket kit for about $150-175 which is what you will want to buy.

[GLS_Jeff]

PERFECT. Where can I buy it?

[JLw7123]

I have used the fel pro headgasket set. You will want to buy the full kit.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Felpro-Head-Gasket-Set/_/N-8znn4?itemIdentifier=205668&_requestid=795376 I replaced them about 5 months ago and i have had no problems since. I replaced every gasket from the heads up.

[GLS_Jeff]

Thanks alot. Just ordered them and new head bolts from autozone. Will be here in 2 days. Im thinking about 6 to 8 hours of labor. Sound about right?

[JLw7123]

Are you going to be replacing them yourself. If you are take your time so you do not make any mistakes and make sure you remember were everything goes.

[GLS_Jeff]

Yes I am. I have done heads nurmerous times on 1rst gen chevy V8s. I know that makes me far from an expert but im confident I can do it myself

[a.graham52]

especially the push rods! do NOT forget where each one came from or your risking bending valves and being in a world of hurt.

[GLS_Jeff]

Yeah unfortunetly I learned that lesson the hard way a few years back

[JLw7123]

especially the push rods! do NOT forget where each one came from or your risking bending valves and being in a world of hurt.

yes and also make sure the surface were the gasket is going to be is spotless nothing is on there no dirt or grime. Also keep the parts in order when you take them off.

[MMGT1]

This one is a little tricky. Make sure you read and use the Chilton for the lower intake install! The lower intake is the hardest part of this job. All that work to find a leak in it when you are done is quite the bummer.... ask me how I know... lol You will also want to grab a tube of sealer. You will need it for the install.

[JLw7123]

Yeah unfortunetly I learned that lesson the hard way a few years back

what happened.

[JLw7123]

This one is a little tricky. Make sure you read and use the Chilton for the lower intake install! The lower intake is the hardest part of this job. All that work to find a leak in it when you are done is quite the bummer.... ask me how I know... lol You will also want to grab a tube of sealer. You will need it for the install.

i agree that it is the hardest part. Have you checked to see if the heads are warped because it makes no sense to replace the headgaskets if the heads are warped.

[GLS_Jeff]

A few years back I attempted a HG job on a ford taurus and the rods were slightly different in length and my dumb ass mixed up a pair and the piston hit it and bent the valve and damaged the piston. Junked the car from a mistake I will never make again. I will definitely pick up the Chilton's or a factory service repair manual. I seen you can buy a digital copy of those for $20 and get it instantly. Anything you can tell me I should look out for with the L.I.M. that the book might not say?

[GLS_Jeff]

Also I was gonna send the heads out to the local machine shop to get magnifluxed and milled if need be. It's a friend of the family so I should get a good price

[MMGT1]

Just follow the instructions. Pay special attention to the torque specs and the ORDER in which you tighten the lower intake into place. I cannot stress enough how improtant the order in which you tighten those bolts down. Follow it to the letter man

[GLS_Jeff]

Yeah that definitely sounds serious. I will follow every direction completely. How long does it typically take?

[a.graham52]

about 6 hours if your really cranking. plan on a full weekend. also it might be a good idea to go and pickup a new o-ring for your fuel rail (inlet?) especialy if you loose the old one. when i did mine i never thought to pick one up and none of the locals (nor the pontiac dealer) ahd one in stock.