replacing timing belt, cams, intake manifold, etc...

[thisdsm]

Im looking to replace quite a few parts on my car at the same time but Im not sure which to replace first to insure a smooth install. Here are the following parts I will be doing:
Headgasket
Timing belt + related components
Arp Head Studs
Cams
SMIM Intake Manifold

For those of you who are experienced in this please advise me on which route to take first. My plan of attack was to tackle the Timing Belt and components first, then Headgasket then Arp's, then Cams, then Intake manifold. Anyways let me know. Thanks!

 

[19Eclipse90]

If you do the timing belt before you do the headgasket, you will end up doing the timing belt twice. The head needs to come off for the headgasket to be done which is also convenient for installing the ARP head studs and SMIM. Here's how it makes the most sense to be done, roughly.

-After setting the engine in order to do the timing belt (number one cylinder at TDC, cam dowels at 12 o'clock), remove the timing components. Technically you don't have to do this because you are removing the head, but it is a good idea if you remove the camshafts immediately after and it makes good practice. You just have to be certain to set the block to TDC and line up the crank timing mark before reinstalling the head.
-Here you can remove the camshafts or leave them til later; the perk to doing it here is that it will make the head lighter when you pull it out.
-Pull the head with at least the intake manifold attached; otherwise you will have a very rough time unbolting the IM with the head still on the block. If the head needs resurfacing, have that taken care of; most machine shops will be able to do that for you. Make sure it isn't belt surfaced: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cylinder-head-short-block/360613-why-not-let-your-head-belt-surfaced.html. Here is the way it should be surfaced for an MLS head gasket: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341289-how-surface-4g63t-cylinder-head-mls-head-gasket.html. While the head is off, you might consider doing the oil port mods: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341028-4g63t-head-oil-port-mod.html and http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-engine-fuel/341625-4g63t-head-oil-port-mod-2-a.html.
-Install the ARP head studs in the block and the SMIM to the head. Make certain you torque/install the studs down correctly.
-Install the head gasket and the head with SMIM attached. Make certain you torque the head fasteners correctly.
-If you haven't already taken care of the camshafts, do them. Make sure to install them with the dowels as close to 12 o'clock as possible -- they may rotate slightly away from it once installed on the head which is okay as long as you line them up correctly when putting the timing belt on.
-Finally, you guessed it, install timing components and belt. Here is how to do the timing belt: Timing Belt VFAQ and http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-engine-fuel/273973-pictorial-installing-timing-timing-belt-6bolt-2g.html which provides good visuals.

Again, this is roughly the procedure. You will need to remember to drain coolant, figure out what you want to do with the turbo/exhaust manifold, etc.

 

[kahl23]

VFAQ is your friend. It was one of the first real good resources for DSMs and has most simple and some more complex jobs detailed very well. A tip for the head: there are two hoist points connected to both the intake and exhaust manifolds. If you can get your hands on an engine hoist (borrow/rent/buy, they aren't that expensive and are very handy, given how these cars tend to break at higher HP levels) you can attach to those points and it makes lifting the head that much easier.