Gaspo's 99 trans am project

[1999Black_Z28]

what's the cheapest way to go? i'll drop the motor, replace the head gaskets and bolts (heads are almost off). i'll take the oil pan off and clean everything out as best as i can. how do i test the springs? tje retainer on the spring with the bad rocker is chipped/dented a bit. can i just buy one replacement retainer?

If you buy my heads you won't need to worry about the chipped/dented retainer or the springs

[Gaspo]

thanks for the info on the heads! good to know.
what is the trunion upgrade?
Dave, its definitely a possibility. i'll PM you again

[Nocooler]

thanks for the info on the heads! good to know.
what is the trunion upgrade?
Dave, its definitely a possibility. i'll PM you again

Trunion kit replaces the needle bearings in the stock rockers.

Do a search on LS1tech you'll find all the info you need.

[1999Black_Z28]

http://www.compcams.com/v002/Instruc.../COMP4-126.pdf

[Gaspo]

how hard is it to install the heads when the engine is in the car? when i did heads on my last car, the engine was out.. any tips/hints?

[DETROITMUSCLE]

are they already off? installing them is not that bad really just scrape the deck with a plactic ice scraper or something that won't damage the aluminum. then place the gasket on and the head and torque the bolts in sequence. The biggest pita about it is probably installing the power steering resivoir as one of the bolts your only able to turn 1/4 or so each time.

[Gaspo]

are they already off? installing them is not that bad really just scrape the deck with a plactic ice scraper or something that won't damage the aluminum. then place the gasket on and the head and torque the bolts in sequence. The biggest pita about it is probably installing the power steering resivoir as one of the bolts your only able to turn 1/4 or so each time.

ya i remember the power steering deal last time i did it. they are almost all the way off. just wondering about having to deal with the cowl. do you recommend using RTV silicone too or no?

[1999Black_Z28]

Cowl's not a big deal...and no on the RTV. I would just use GM MLS gaskets (e.g. p/n 12589226)

[c0ncEpT]

If you have the power steering pump off you should drill a hole in the pulley just large enough to fit a socket through. You will thank me later.

[DETROITMUSCLE]

If you have the power steering pump off you should drill a hole in the pulley just large enough to fit a socket through. You will thank me later.

good thinking.

[c0ncEpT]

good thinking.

Not my idea. Seen guys do it before. Cant take credit for it!

[Gaspo]

Won't it throw balance off the pulley?

[sman]

Its a big lightweight pulley, it doesnt turn very fast. Shouldnt make a difference. Could drill a few to evenly balance it if you wanted.

[Gaspo]

IMAG0127.jpg

[Formula Z]

oh no! that dont look good. i need to do the trunion kit myself with having .657 lift and .690 springs....