Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
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I have a couple questions. The specs on these heads say they don't have a heat crossover. Does this mean they are not emissions compliant? Will this cause any drivablility issues?
What head gasket would you recommend? This is what I am guessing FPP-1094.
Which lower intake gaskets did you use? This is what I am guessing FPP-1256.
Which pushrods did you use or how do you measure for pushrods? I will be using the stock cam so can I keep stock pushrods?
Did all the stock parts bolt up ok? Sensors, brakets, ect?
__________________ 1988 GTA - 5pd - Digital Dash / SOLD
I've never seen an aluminum SBC head with a crossover that I recall. That doesn't make it illegal though. Just have to run an external EGR, like the Corvette L98 had. Its heads didnt have a crossover either.
Use the gaskets TFS recommends for that head. If they dont have one, I'd use the Corvette L98 head gasket. I'd use a 1204 intake gasket. They work better with aluminum parts better than the 'stock replacement' fel-pros do... less prone to coolant leaks.
There is a very inexpensive tool called a pushrod checker that you use to measure what pushrod length you need. Doesn't matter if you are using the stock cam, the new heads could be taller/shorter, stud could be higher/lower... lots can change with a head swap. Even gasket thinkness can throw a wrench into it.
Sensors/brackets... I don't see why you'd have a problem with them.
I prefer an adjustable pushrod, and an 8" caliper, vs using a pushrod checker (the plastic pushrod tool).... I have both and find the adjustable is more useful.
It's about $20, so still cheap.
Stock pushrods will most likely work, but the right length will work best.
Does anyone actually use these heads? I can't find one person on here that does!
When spending that kind of money, people will usually be upgrading to a 350 if they haven't already, so most people wouldn't go for them. Then they will get heads more designed for a 350 or 383... like the TFS 195cc or something.
I did alot of research on them though, as I was actually planning to use a set on my 350, but got a good deal on something else instead. They really are good heads, very similar in design to a stock LT1 head, though they flow much better... flow similar numbers to what the 195cc LT4 heads do, which is impressive as they have only a 170cc port IIRC.
The adjustable pushrod tool that Sonix was talking about is basically the same as an actual pushrod, but its telescopic, sorta like those cheapo parts store magnetic pickup tools are. They work very well too. You just set it to where the rocker should be sitting ideally, pull it out and measure it, then you buy pushrods to match. If your using a stock cam though, odds are it will be very close to the stock length. You could try it and see what the rocker geometry is like, but there are no guarantees with this stuff.
I can allways pull the heads of and sell them when its time to build a bigger motor. When while I got to enjoy a nice 50 hp gain which my car direly needs. It's not fun going to the track and getting out run by a srt-4.
Where should the rocker be sitting ideally?
__________________ 1988 GTA - 5pd - Digital Dash / SOLD
Yeah get these Trick Flow Specialties TFS-30300007 and then if you dont ruin them I would be glad to take them off your hands in a year or two. If you made me a good deal.