How to install head on a 1G

[fourgsixthree33]

I am about to start my head install soon. I am confident I can do everything properly but am wondering if there is any write up or info on how to install a head. Just to have for insurance so I can read through it and get some tips. Or maybe you could even give me some tips, advice, encourage, etc.

I have searched and searched. Not even VFAQ has anything about installing a head. All of my manuals are pretty vague when describing head installs.

 

[dsm4life94]

Good luck with everything Aj! This is Evan by the way, have you looked into the Hayes manual? all you need to remember is torque everything by manufactures spec.

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Yep. I have a Haynes manual but like I said, the head install description is quite vague. Just don't wanna mess up. Glad to see you joined the forums!

 

[dexterholland04]

They are pretty simple, just make sure you get all of the old gasket off before you install the new one and make sure you torque everything down right and in proper increments. The Haynes manual is pretty good in outlining everything you need to do in order to remove the head. Make sure you have a friend handy, because there are some parts where an extra set of hands is extremely helpful. Other than that, good luck and have fun!

 

[TSI_AWD_FTW]

i would go ahead and replace the timing belt while your at it too

 

[agentorange313]

i would go ahead and replace the timing belt while your at it too

good idea, but I have gone down this path, why not water pump, then all the timing components, then if I am already there why not the oil pan then a rebuild .

goodluck

 

[fourgsixthree33]

Yep. I ordered a whole timing belt assembly. Here is the list of what I am getting for the install.

1G 7 Bolt Head- $125
Engine Gasket Kit- $128.94 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SL...1704/?rtype=10
Webs 546/547 Cams- $155 (bought from a friend. Good deal.) Web Cam Inc. - Performance and Racing Camshafts
ARP Head Studs- $60 used. Low Miles, torqued once.
Gates OEM Timing Belt Kit- Black Belt- $145.92 Comes with all tensioners. http://www.thedsmgraveyard.com/Produ...CK167&CartID=1
APR Lubricant- $2 ARP 100-9908 - ARP Ultra Torque Assembly Lubricants - Overview - SummitRacing.com
HKS Pink Oil Filter- $25 http://www.streettunedmotorsports.co...oil_filter.htm
Royal Purple 20W-50 Motor Oil- $50

And most likely a water pump too. Just haven't priced one yet.

Heres a question. How many steps should I do when torquing the head? At what psi for each step? How long do I wait in between steps? Ok maybe that was three questions...

 

[agentorange313]

Yep. I ordered a whole timing belt assembly. Here is the list of what I am getting for the install.

1G 7 Bolt Head- $125
Engine Gasket Kit- $128.94 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SL...1704/?rtype=10
Webs 546/547 Cams- $155 (bought from a friend. Good deal.) Web Cam Inc. - Performance and Racing Camshafts
ARP Head Studs- $60 used. Low Miles, torqued once.
Gates OEM Timing Belt Kit- Black Belt- $145.92 Comes with all tensioners. http://www.thedsmgraveyard.com/Produ...CK167&CartID=1
APR Lubricant- $2 ARP 100-9908 - ARP Ultra Torque Assembly Lubricants - Overview - SummitRacing.com
HKS Pink Oil Filter- $25 http://www.streettunedmotorsports.co...oil_filter.htm
Royal Purple 20W-50 Motor Oil- $50

And most likely a water pump too. Just haven't priced one yet.

Heres a question. How many steps should I do when torquing the head? At what psi for each step? How long do I wait in between steps? Ok maybe that was three questions...

I would spend the money is oem equipment rather then HKS oil filters and gate timing belts (not saying they are anything but good quality products). I rather have new head studs and oem gaskets also rather than spend the extra on the timing belt and filter (oem belt is much less, close to half and has proven to work). oem filters are like 6-7 bucks.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-engine-fuel/185236-head-removal-mini-engine-rebuild.html

edit: I just looked this up on chilton and it says:


"On 1990-92 models, tighten the cylinder head bolts using 3 even steps, in sequence to 65-72 ft. lbs. (90-100 Nm). This torque applies to a cold engine. If checking cylinder head bolt torque on hot engine, the desired specification is 72-80 ft. lbs. (100-110 Nm)."

 

[dsm4life94]

Aj aren't you doing your headgasket too? a cometic one?

 

[fourgsixthree33]

The timing belt kit is only available with the Gates belt. I think. But I figured if I am going to get everything, why not buy it all in one kit?

As for the head gasket set kit, it comes with everything. Every gasket on the engine it comes with it. And it comes with an OEM head gasket. That is why I went with these two kits. Cheaper in the long run rather than buying everything separate.

The oil filter is kind of ridiculous, I will admit . But just thought it would be cool to have and know it is a great oil filter.

What do you think of the Brad Penn oil? There is a kit on the DSM graveyard with Brad Penn oil and a K&N filter. Haven't hear much about the Brad Penn oil but the feedback I did hear were positive.

And thanks for that link! That should help me out a bit.

Aj aren't you doing your headgasket too? a cometic one?

Since I am not resurfacing my head and block, a cometic gasket would not seal properly. So I am going OEM which I have been told work very well and many of the guys with built DSM's use them.

 

[dsm4life94]

I'd go with cometic, it is better for when you, you will be running a head with very aggressive cams the web ones I'd go with the cometic head gasket you might blow the oem one down the road once you add more power to your car (turbo e316g)

 

[agentorange313]

you can get this kit with all oem components including the belt: https://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=22306&cat=458&page=2

if you are forking out for the belt/filter then get new head studs

As far as headgasket there is an OEM MLS one also, just make sure you get the composite since you have not proper finished your head for a mls surface.

Brad Penn is great oil. http://store.forcedperformance.net/...Performance Recommendations for Motor Oil.pdf

 

[fourgsixthree33]

you can get this kit with all oem components including the belt: https://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=22306&cat=458&page=2

if you are forking out for the belt/filter then get new head studs

As far as headgasket there is an OEM MLS one also, just make sure you get the composite since you have not proper finished your head for a mls surface.

Brad Penn is great oil. http://store.forcedperformance.net/...Performance Recommendations for Motor Oil.pdf

That timing belt kit is a little more than I would like to spend.

When I torque the head down, I use three steps within the range of the torque specs you have listed with the first step being 68 and the third step being 72?

Do you think the Brad Penn oil is a better choice compared to Royal Purple oil?

 

[99gst_racer]

For the ARPs using moly lube, use the 3-step process with the following values: 30-60-85 ft/lbs

 

[Trav83]

Guess maybe you should have kept that new oem timing belt you gave to me

 

[fourgsixthree33]

For the ARPs using moly lube, use the 3-step process with the following values: 30-60-85 ft/lbs

That is what I was looking for. Thanks, Paul. I figured they would need torque lower on the first step and overall torqued higher than the OEM specs.

Guess maybe you should have kept that new oem timing belt you gave to me

Haha. I was thinking about that. But, I still don't think I would have used that belt. It came from Advance Auto so not sure what kind of belt it is or who made it.