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My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:32 PM
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IROCThe5.7L's Avatar
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

Just thought I'd make a thread since I've finished. I appreciate everyone's help through it all! I can't believe how well it runs on the stock tune. And nothing is more rewarding than having it be a father son project that was a success. It feels good to tell people I didn't pay someone to do it for me.




Taking it apart:



What a mess:



Heads on:



Test fitting the intake:


Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; Jul 3, 2009 at 11:57 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:33 PM
  #2  
IROCThe5.7L's Avatar
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

1.6 Pro Magnum rocker arms on:



Intake and valve covers on:



Waiting on a waterneck and intake:




ALL DONE!




Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; Jul 3, 2009 at 11:46 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:34 PM
  #3  
IROCThe5.7L's Avatar
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).



Videos:

First start:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVk-C8jOEmQ

Warm Idle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BAocE35AhI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReO4ycnrrCA

Drive away:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvSuL_VHwvw


And for anyone that comes across this thread in a search, some information. Obvious stuff, but I figure I'll post it:

Mark each connector you remove. I'm pretty sure there are not two of the same connector types. But it just makes your life easier.
Take pictures of everything before you remove it.
Replace your timing chain. Mine was kind of sloppy with only 74,200 miles.
There are grounds on the back of the heads that are a pain to get to. I removed all the head bolts, lifted the head, put a towel under it, and slid the head forward to access them better. There are not fun putting back on either.
You can remove your timing over with your oil pan still bolted in. If you try and put your timing cover back in, without dropping the pan a couple of inches, there is a very high risk you're going to tear your oil pan gasket.
Put thread sealer on ALL your head and intake bolts.
Don't be afraid to lay a thick bead of RTV on your China walls (don't forget the corners where it meets the head).
All the holes in the heads were not tapped deep enough. I had to use washers on all the bolts that went into the front of the heads (Power steering bracket...etc)
If you're using the stock throttle bracket, you're most likely going to have to put a few washers in between the intake and bracket to get proper alignment.

Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; Jul 3, 2009 at 11:38 PM.
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Old Oct 28, 2009 | 07:59 PM
  #4  
JekyllandHyde's Avatar
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From: NY
Car: 87 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

I'm surprised nobody every replied to this. That was awesome work! How long did it take you to do the whole project? Any other hangups besides the bolt holes not being deep enough?
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Old Oct 29, 2009 | 07:17 AM
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InfernalVortex's Avatar
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From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

Gah that cam sounds absolutely isnane. What is it?
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Old Apr 13, 2011 | 07:40 PM
  #6  
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From: MD
Car: 88 Iroc-z
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

Really cool build. I was actually debating this or go ls1
What hp and torque ratings are you looking at before tune and after tune? (If u have any)
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 01:38 PM
  #7  
Anton Camaro's Avatar
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 11
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From: Höfn Iceland
Car: Chevy Camaro '84
Engine: 355 SBC
Transmission: T-5 BorgWerner
Re: My L98 tear down, and Head/cam/intake swap (Pictures and videos).

looks good!
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