Alright, I'll be getting my head ported polished, machined milled etc. With reducing the height of the head/gasket by ~.070" Am I going to have sealing problems? Will I start blowing or at least leaking at the head gasket? We already have one bolt that doesn't like the stock height.

I know the ARPs will work if I can find a competant maching shop to do the work and prep the head to accept the studs...

To those who have had their head off or valve cover. How much clearance is there between the top of the head bolts and any other parts... Would it be possible to put a washer in there and lift the bolts up a bit? leaving the bolt enough threads to grip but not bottom out?

Thought? Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks guys.

"Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking."
Michael J. Kulaga e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com
aol IM: MJKulga Website: http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, Hooker 4-1 Stepped Header, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, S-AFC, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, SS Clutch Line, NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., FU/RU/RL STBs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors and Carbon Fiber Pads

To Be Installed: Rear disc brake conversion kit, SS Brake Lines, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors and KVR Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads

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<<< To those who have had their head off or valve cover. How much clearance is there between the top of the head bolts and any other parts... Would it be possible to put a washer in there and lift the bolts up a bit? leaving the bolt enough threads to grip but not bottom out? >>>

I thought about that too, there is enough clearance between the head bolts and the cams (the one thing that might be on the way) so I don't see why it could not be done. I would try to find an ARP washers tho.

ah don't do the same mistake I did and over port the head tho, that's if you are still planning to stay NA.

Adel





Ported TB and Intake manifold ** ported and milled head ** PT rockers and lifters ** Crane Drag cams #16 ** Crane valve springs and retainers ** AEM cam gears ** Hotshots headers ** Greddy Cat back ** Iceman CAI ** S-AFC ** and the usual handling mods

LAST EDITED ON 08-Oct-01 AT 04:30 PM (PST)

The threads in the block are way deep. You will have no problems using the stock head bolts with .070 removed from the head.

Use the Neon MLS headgasket. Get a can of the Mopar spray gasket sealant. Use all new head bolts. Follow the torque procedure outlined in the sheet supplied with the gasket, except increase the torque values by 7 ft. lbs.

Works for us!

Bill Hahn Jr.

Thanks guys. The .070" was going to consist of .050" off the head and a gasket .020" less than stock (~.020-.022" thick).

Bill, you don't see any problems with this? The one head bolt where the head gasket always goes, I thought wasn't deep enough stock? thoughts? and thanks for the +7ft-lbs tip!

"Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking."
Michael J. Kulaga e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com
aol IM: MJKulga Website: http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, Hooker 4-1 Stepped Header, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, S-AFC, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, SS Clutch Line, NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., FU/RU/RL STBs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors and Carbon Fiber Pads

To Be Installed: Rear disc brake conversion kit, SS Brake Lines, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors and KVR Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads

Just shootin' this back up top to see if there are any more thoughts.

"Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking."
Michael J. Kulaga e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com
aol IM: MJKulga Website: http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

All Motor Beast in the Making

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, Hooker 4-1 Stepped Header, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, S-AFC, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, SS Clutch Line, NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., FU/RU/RL STBs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors and Carbon Fiber Pads

To Be Installed: Rear disc brake conversion kit, SS Brake Lines, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors and KVR Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads

LAST EDITED ON 09-Oct-01 AT 10:25 AM (PST)

Unless your particular block is unusual, you will be OK. I have seen some variation, but nothing enough to affect what you are proposing.

Good Luck!
Bill

Looks like I'm going to be using the Mopar Head bolts. $30 compared to ~$200... fits my wallet a LOT better.

Thanks Bill!

Adel of course I'm still planning NA!!! I may take a look at ARP and see if they have any washers... Just in case.

"Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking."
Michael J. Kulaga e-mail: Michael_97RS@2gntDSM.zzn.com
aol IM: MJKulga Website: http://highlander.dsmpower.com/

All Motor Beast in the Making

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, Hooker 4-1 Stepped Header, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, S-AFC, 8.5mm Magnecor Wires, SS Clutch Line, NRG Susp. Motor Mount Ins., FU/RU/RL STBs, TSW Blade 17x7.5, Bridgestone Potenza RE730 215/45ZR-17. Front KVR Cross-Drilled Rotors and Carbon Fiber Pads

To Be Installed: Rear disc brake conversion kit, SS Brake Lines, Rear KVR Cross Drilled Rotors and KVR Carbon Fiber Kevlar Pads