Installing Heads( How Long)

speedytang · 02-11-2002, 12:00 PM

So how long did it take you to install heads from start to finish?
I am trying to get ready for the head gasket dance this racing season and want a idea how long it will take.

fiveohpatrol · 02-11-2002, 01:11 PM

well it took me about a week and a half

thats because when I had my 100k mile heads off, i had them flattened and a valve job done

I'd guess if you've never done it before (like me that time) it will take 8 hours start to finish. Just make sure you have everything so you dont have to run out to the parts store for stuff. Head gaskets, intake gaskets, RTV, thread sealer for the head bolts, good head bolts, a good torque wrench, fuel line disconnect tool (so you dont have to take the fuel rails off the intake)....

Spend a good amount of time scraping everything clean so you'll have good mating surfaces. It gets annoying fast but you'll thank yourself in the long run.

Dont rush it either, this is a very tedious job and you don't want to overlook anything by trying to get it done fast.
Take your time, especially the first time.

good luck

whiterod · 02-11-2002, 01:30 PM

it took me a good day and a half, this included very hard cleaning of the block and a few other details to make sure it went off without a hitch. i'm sure if i had to do it again it would go alot quicker, it was my first time

1BAD89 · 02-11-2002, 11:15 PM

For your first time doing it, give yourself a whole weekend.

speedytang · 02-11-2002, 11:25 PM

It is hard for me to imagine it being that hard but that is why I asked. It only took 2 hours to install the Cobra intake and that was with the time to move everything from the old intake to the new one. Well you guys have done it and I have not. Sounds like fun.

DZEE'S LX · 02-11-2002, 11:50 PM

I'm on the other side. It takes time.
I'm going alot further than you with cam, chain, hoses, radiator, headers, etc but I started about 2 weeks ago and I just got the new heads on - it's downhill from here. I have a good set of tools & air tools also. On a good week I get a few nights a week in the garage and hopefully some time on weekends. The wife was sick and other stuff usually gets in the way. When you dissasemble a 10 yr old car you will find little things to fix, bolts will be rusty, connectors can break, ....you name it. I'm also disgustingly meticulous. I've learned to hate scraping gaskets and found countless uses for rags & my shop vac. Oh, and just wait until you have to wait for a part to come in......

It's all worth it though!!!!!

Dan

drudis · 02-12-2002, 01:21 PM

On my 351-W carbed, an afternoon.
On my S-trim EFI, we're about to find out!

http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/engine/heads/

02-11-2002, 12:00 PM	#1
speedytang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Marengo, Ohio.USA Posts: 135	Installing Heads( How Long) So how long did it take you to install heads from start to finish? I am trying to get ready for the head gasket dance this racing season and want a idea how long it will take.

02-11-2002, 01:11 PM	#2
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	well it took me about a week and a half thats because when I had my 100k mile heads off, i had them flattened and a valve job done I'd guess if you've never done it before (like me that time) it will take 8 hours start to finish. Just make sure you have everything so you dont have to run out to the parts store for stuff. Head gaskets, intake gaskets, RTV, thread sealer for the head bolts, good head bolts, a good torque wrench, fuel line disconnect tool (so you dont have to take the fuel rails off the intake).... Spend a good amount of time scraping everything clean so you'll have good mating surfaces. It gets annoying fast but you'll thank yourself in the long run. Dont rush it either, this is a very tedious job and you don't want to overlook anything by trying to get it done fast. Take your time, especially the first time. good luck __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

02-11-2002, 01:30 PM	#3
whiterod Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: zachary, la Posts: 73	it took me a good day and a half, this included very hard cleaning of the block and a few other details to make sure it went off without a hitch. i'm sure if i had to do it again it would go alot quicker, it was my first time __________________ GT-40X(58cc)heads, cobra upper&lower, FMS 65mm TB, 75mm Bullet, 24# injectors, 190 lph fuel pump, moroso cold air intake, BBK 1 5/8 equal length headers, flowmaster cat back, 1.7 cobra rockers, crane 2031, T5Z gear box, centerforce dual friction, mcleod bullet proof bellhousing, 3.55 gears, hurst billet shifter with over 193,000 miles. thanks to all who contributed

02-11-2002, 11:50 PM	#6
DZEE'S LX Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 117	I'm on the other side. It takes time. I'm going alot further than you with cam, chain, hoses, radiator, headers, etc but I started about 2 weeks ago and I just got the new heads on - it's downhill from here. I have a good set of tools & air tools also. On a good week I get a few nights a week in the garage and hopefully some time on weekends. The wife was sick and other stuff usually gets in the way. When you dissasemble a 10 yr old car you will find little things to fix, bolts will be rusty, connectors can break, ....you name it. I'm also disgustingly meticulous. I've learned to hate scraping gaskets and found countless uses for rags & my shop vac. Oh, and just wait until you have to wait for a part to come in...... It's all worth it though!!!!! Dan __________________ Spec Service (UHP), BFG G-Force KDW's, Turbo Coupe 3.55 rear w/disks, 73mm calipers, Stg 1 Twisted Wedges, TFS Street Intake, 70mm TB, E cam, Crane 1.7's, Aeromotive FPR, BBK 1 5/8 shorties, elec fan, FMS Al Radiator, Moroso Wires, Kenne Bell Ramair, March pulleys, Race Magnums, 190 lph Walbro, FMS Al Dshaft, D/S loop, MM 4point rollbar, FMS C spngs, strut tower brace, Tokico Illuminas, Prothane bushings, MM Lwr Conrol Arms, KB welded subs, Cervini Mach 1 hood/valence/side skirts/wing/airdam.

02-12-2002, 01:21 PM	#7
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	On my 351-W carbed, an afternoon. On my S-trim EFI, we're about to find out! http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/engine/heads/ __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

02-11-2002, 11:15 PM	#4
1BAD89 Tubbed and Juiced Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,861	For your first time doing it, give yourself a whole weekend.

02-11-2002, 11:25 PM	#5
speedytang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Marengo, Ohio.USA Posts: 135	It is hard for me to imagine it being that hard but that is why I asked. It only took 2 hours to install the Cobra intake and that was with the time to move everything from the old intake to the new one. Well you guys have done it and I have not. Sounds like fun.

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