Ok Gentlemen I'm thinking of doing this work myself. I have done plenty on my Corvette motor and was wondering just how hard is this compared to doing this on a 86 TPI 350. I've had that motor broken all the way down and I've heard this is the same basic push rod V-8 under all the fancy intake parts.

I was wondering how this engine would compare. Just trying to decide to dive in or not.

02 SE7 btw

Thanks,
Merritt

 

same thing.

 

It's a 215 Buick small block.
The important thing is where you buy your gasket kits and new head bolts.

 

I was thinking of using the Victor Reinz gasket kit.

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/ind...02&No=0&Npp=15

And getting an intake gasket kit and head bolts from British pacific.

Please let me know if the Victor is a good gasket kit. Appears to be better than stock.

Thanks for the input.

 

Appears, how does it appear to be better?
I would seriously suggest you stay with the more common, tried and true gaskets sets found on either Atlantic British, Rover Connection or DAP to make sure you don't have to do this again.
Also replace the t/stat and up grade to the new 3 hose upper radiator hose set with the up graded bleeder so you don't blow a hose out down the road.

 

Yes, our engines are just basic push-rod motors. 1950s technology still going strong, gotta love it. If you can rebuild a 350 then you can handle this engine.

The head bolts are stretch bolts as I am sure you're aware so they have to be replaced. I agree with Disco Mike, stay with the kits offered by AB, Rover Connection or DAP. They may not be the cheapest but they are proven to work. It doesn't take much to be better than the factory gaskets but I still wouldn't shop for head gaskets based on being the cheapest.

 

I wasn't looking for the cheap gaskets. I was looking at the composites with the metalic ribs for a good seal. I will look into the suggested kits. Thanks for the input.

 

I dont care what anyone else says on the matter, but ARP bolts go back into anything I own. Reusable and good for lots of power. You will find that the thread pattern is easily matched. But the factory bolts are made to stretch on purpose.....bla bla bla.