I'm swapping my thrice overheated motor for a bit lower miles one that needs a HG. While I'm doing the job, what should I know?

Namely, what other jobs do I need to do while I'm doing this?
Already planned new water pump (already has new hoses), new radiator, ARP head studs (along with HG kit), new spark plugs and wires.

What other tools do I need that I don't know I need yet?
Already got fan clutch tools, 26 mm (I think...) socket for the SAI manfold nuts.

What are the "little tricks" that the RAVE doesn't tell you about?
I'm already planning on the copper colored HG spray stuff.

Anything else I should know, please fill me in.

 

Oil pump, timing chain, clean your injectors. I'm a big fan if doing a port and polish in the heads. Throwing a mild cam in is always nice.

 

X2 on oil pump and timing chain.

 

I was hoping not to mess with the front cover, but it seems unanimous that I need to.

You guys have any other tips?

 

break the crank bolt free before you do anything else, and be as clean as possible, prime the pump with vaciline.

 

I'd definitely do the front cover... Oil pump, timing chain, studs, copper coat on everything. New gaskets, front and rear seal.

Best tips are: use long socket extensions with wobble tips on all but the top bell housing bolts... farther away is better; when you connect the torque converter during install, put a little RTV on the socket... It will hold the bolts so they don't fall; be sure to NOT move the torque converter after you take the first engine out... hard to line up on the install; don't bother with a timing cover gasket because RTV works fine, have extra exhaust studs.

Finally, put a big ribbon on the line that goes from the top of the radiator to the expansion tank. If you break the nipper on the radiator with your elbow or whatever, you'll have to get a new radiator (done that).

 

I would not spray on any stuff to the head gasket - including that copper junk.
Leave it all dry.

Do the head when the engine is out. Easier.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/76579732@N07/

 

Nice pics!

 

Charlie, for the bell housing bolts, do you mean something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2300-2-...=wobble+socket

or this

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4964-I...=wobble+socket

And how long of extension are we talking?

Do you get the upper two bolts on each side (not the top two) from the top or bottom? I'm not having a fun time. I have the bottom 6 off so far. I took out the front pipe as well (also not fun - extremely rusted nuts)