Prepping block surface and other questions

[olmytsi]

I just got the head cleaned, checked and decked so its ready for the install. The block has the internals so no machine shops want to deck the surface for me. What can i do to clean the residue and have a pretty clean/flat surface before installing the head?
Ill be using arps with the stock composite head gasket. Do i use copper spray on the composite gasket or something else?
Whats the best way to clean the carbon buildup on the pistons?
What should i torque the arps to for the best seal?
This is a complete 6 bolt by the way.

ps: any tips or advice is appreciated.

 

[bigjdog84]

Use brake cleaner for the tops of the pistons and the deck surface. I usually use a bristle brush and a razor scraper, it works pretty good. Make sure to plug up the coolant/oil passages with some cotton balls or something similar in order to not get any crap in them.

ARP's are around 80-90 ft. lbs w/moly lube, they should be retorqued after the car is driven around a bit. Remeber to torque in factory sequence @ 30'ish lb. intervals.

OEM composite HG w/copper spray work pretty well.
Have fun.

 

[TSIfreek]

Clean the deck with spray gasket remover and a razor blade ONLY. This spray also removes the carbon on the pistons very well. No copper spray is needed on the stock head gasket only the steel Hg need it. Torque the studs to 80 FT lbs with moly lube from the center out in a star pattern.

 

[bigjdog84]

Copper spray isn't "needed" on neither of the gaskets. But saying only the metal HG's need it is just wrong.
Bottom line is that if your going to use a composite HG and run alot of boost you should use copper spray as it makes the seal hold much better.

 

[olmytsi]

Sweet! Thanx for the tips guys, keep them coming. Also, there was some oil in the coolant, how can i flush the coolant passages to clean them up, i dont want all that "gunk" ruining my turbo.

 

[bigjdog84]

When everything is put back together remove your thermostat, bolt the housing back on and unscrew the drain from your radiator. Then go ahead and grab a garden hose and run water through the system for 15 minutes or so. That should get most of the oil out of there.
Later/joe

 

[olmytsi]

Thanx
Anyone can confirm the exact torquing of the arps?

 

[boostedinaz]

Thanx
Anyone can confirm the exact torquing of the arps?

Open the box when you get them and read the directions they just may have the answer.

 

[TSIfreek]

80 lbs with moly