removing cylinder head

[nynor]

looks like i'll be changing out the head gasket, at least.

are they any differences between this car and the '83 i already did that i need to be aware of?

how seriously should i consider replacing the head studs?

thanks!

[pozican]

Head studs? I'm by no means an expert, but you will need a lot more hp to worry about that.

As far as I know, the only difference is the intercooler piping, but clarks-garage documents this procedure for both the turbo and NA

Some things to consider while you are down there
Valve grind + head resurface
Water pump + rollers + timing/balance belts

Gonna go for the MLS gasket?
I know I am

[nynor]

what is the MLS gasket?

pump and rollers only have 12K on them, supposedly. i'll have to see what i find. new belts, of course, and new vacuum lines under the intake manifold, per arnnworx.com.

definitely going to resurface and touch up the valves.

[pozican]

Cosmetic MLS gasket -- Just a gasket the higher hp guys use, typically lasts longer, and is thicker so if your head was to lift a little (under high boost) the gasket will keep the seal.
Kinda expensive, but a must if you are planning major mods


I forgot, if you are doing some mods (or even if you are not)
Might want to look into the steam vent mod.
http://www.lindseyracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LR&Product_Cod e=951-STEAM

Here's the write up on it
http://www.turbo944.com/bbs/config.cgi?read=1068

Summary:
Because of hot temps in the head, steam collects and expands and eventually blows the #4 cylinder head gasket.

Anyway -- That's my 2 cents!
Check to see if your number 4 cylinder is the one that blew, and if it is, then I would absolutely do this mod. But in the end it's your choice

Good choice on the vacuum lines under the intake - I actually need to do that before my head comes back from the shop!

-poz

[nynor]

hmm... i'll have to see what is going on. the two studs having problems are between cylinders 2-3 and 3-4.

[nize]

the stock turbo head studs are among the strongest in the industry. you shouldn't need to change them.

[pozican]

I heard if you upgrade the headstuds, you will start blowing gaskets :\


[edit] Not always [/edit]

[ae1969]

Widefire HG and stock studs. They will take a pounding ...........as long as things are tuned properly.

I tried an MLS. Unfortunately I only skimmed the head and not the block ..........so it leaked coolant. Not tons but a little. Both surfaces must be clean. Thats why I wont do it again in car. You need to guarantee the block surface is also clean. The tolerance on the metal one is a little tighter.

The stock studs on the exhaust side come out pretty easy. The ones on the intake side..........augggh.

I ended up using a 2 foot pipe wrench to pull those out. YUCK.

Back in the day........... when I was swapping heads daily chasing a cracked head........... I could swap one out in 2-3 hours. You can take a few short cuts if you have done it before. Overall not much different than the NA.

[nize]

you only need widefire if your block is o-ringed. otherwise, stick with the stock gasket.

[ae1969]

Originally posted by nize
you only need widefire if your block is o-ringed. otherwise, stick with the stock gasket.

Correct!.

I forget I use o-rings......

[nynor]

my cylinder head (i found out yesterday when i removed it) has stainless O-rings around each combustion chamber. they seem to lock into the outside edge of the wide fire ring.