Installing heads today, NEED advice!

[Roastem]

I have a couple issues:

1. The gasket material off the old heads is on there pretty thick. I wanted to use a gasket remover (metal brush thingy for drills) to get rid of it. For one, I hope that brush isn't to rough, that it will damage the mating surface. Another problem is my engine valley is exposed, and I don't want that crap getting down there. Especially since my car has a HARD 97K, and there isn't ANY ridge on the cylinder walls, hell, it looks like it has just broken in good. Damn, I love the LS1. What is the best way to remove the head gasket material without making a mess?

2. What is the torque down procedure for LS6 heads? I need to know the torque specifications and order.

3. Why in the name of GOD did GM bolt grounds to the back of these heads? That is gonna be a real mothaf*cka to bolt that crap back on there. I would almost rather bolt it to a GOOD ground, such as the frame. It would ease head exchanges, plus I wouldn't think Aluminum would be the world's best ground material, anyway. I don't know, now that I think about it, that will be time-consuming the do it that way to. :thinkin:

4. While I got the heads off, do you guys think it would be wise to change the lifters too?

[Ed Blown Vert]

1. Whatever you use, be careful. The aluminum is very soft. You don't want to gouge it.

2. http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=3

3. Don't forget the block needs to be grounded for spark.

4. Might as well get some Comp OEM lifters. Change out the lifter trays also.

[Roastem]

Thanks Ed. Very helpful. I would have to wait to get those lifters, I think. That would delay my whole project at least 3 or 4 days. Hmmm...the stock stuff should be fine, right? I can inspect those lifters at least to make sure. What should I look for, like shakey roller tips? It wasn't ticking at all before the de-stall.

[unnatural aspirations]

use laquer thinner and mild steel wool on the gasket left overs or softly hit it with a conditioner pad,

[Roastem]

Too late, I ended up using a wire drill brush and a sanding block for the stuff I couldn't get to. I used a plastic windshield de-icer scraper to get the big stuff off. Cleaning out the bolt-holes turned out to be a real time-consuming mofacka.

Next time I will try the thinner and wool trick. That is a good idea. Maybe you should email JMX at the HowtoLS1 website and see if he will include that in the install procedure. It sure would be helpful.