Hey folks...Now that the DEEP freeze has "started" to slow, I was gonna get the heads swapped on the 83 Z. Fully Rebuilt 601's, (sorry Sitting Bull...no PORTING this time...)...

Any comments on swapping heads...as in things NOT to do first...MUST do first...

'83 z28, 305-5 speed, carb with air, and manifolds...

I am hoping for a BOLT-n-GO...and MAYBE a set of headers (with A.I.R. tubes unfortunately...)

Just figured I would ask....

ANY and ALL comments appreciated...been a while since I dug into an engine in place...

Thanks

I'd go with some Hooker shorty headers. 1 5/8 primaries and have the AIR tubes you're looking for.

Oh, it'd be a perfect time to change the cam while you're at it.

Lol.. I look forward to the same posts from Sitting Bull and F-BIRD whenever a post has "head" in the title and sometimes not

I'd buy a shop manual so you can have the torque specs and tightening sequences on hand. Ditching the stock stamped steel rocker arms would be a good idea if you haven't already. Since you're only swapping the heads and you won't move the engine until afterwards, it'll make things easier if you mark exactly how your distributor is supposed to be dropped in so that you know your timing is close after you get it assembled again.

I can't think of anything that absolutely must be done beforehand, but keeping track of the timing makes things easier. It's also a good idea to remove all your plugs and wires to get them out of the way.

Also, no silicone on any bolts you remove! You want a non hardening sealing. New bolts from arp would be a good idea. Also good to clean the threads in the block so that you get more accurate torque on the bolts.