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Re: Replacing heads. Am I missing anything?
DO NOT reuse head gaskets. It's not that you can never do that because it can be done only under certain limited circumstances. The gaskets must be MLS units, such as Cometic. They can not have been in service very long. they must be in perfect condition. And you must be willing to risk that, even meeting all those criteria, one or both might fail.
You're better off using new head gaskets. The stock type and the Fel-Pro OE replacement head gaskets are really quite good. The best are the Cometic gaskets sold by INTENSE Racing.
Also, DO NOT spray head gaskets with Copper Coat unless the gasket manufacturer specifically states that a sealer is required. Most 3.8 head gaskets, incl. both the OE gaskets and the good aftermarket MLS stuff requires NO sealer.
Valve covers on 3.8s do not need RTV sealer. The valve cover gaskets are made of RTV silicone and, as long as they are in good condition will seal very well. All RTV will do is make a mess and make future removals difficult.
You MUST install new head bolts. They are torque-to-yield fasteners and are good for only one use. Also, not to many people know it but the stock rocker arm bolts are also torque-to-yield fasteners, too and should be replaced. You can buy reuseable rocker bolts from INTENSE Racing.
You do need RTV when installing the intake manifold gaskets and the seals. It is applied as CDNFB states, above.
As for the "dremel bits" for some DIY porting, you'll find that trying to use a Dremel for that is a fool's errand. The Dremel is not intended for the type of grinding and deburring necessary in head work. An air or electric die grinder is required. For a good understanding of DIY port work see:
http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyport.shtm
All of the above suggestions are based on the work we've done on the "Camaro Performers" magazine V6 project car.
DO NOT reuse head gaskets. It's not that you can never do that because it can be done only under certain limited circumstances. The gaskets must be MLS units, such as Cometic. They can not have been in service very long. they must be in perfect condition. And you must be willing to risk that, even meeting all those criteria, one or both might fail.
You're better off using new head gaskets. The stock type and the Fel-Pro OE replacement head gaskets are really quite good. The best are the Cometic gaskets sold by INTENSE Racing.
Also, DO NOT spray head gaskets with Copper Coat unless the gasket manufacturer specifically states that a sealer is required. Most 3.8 head gaskets, incl. both the OE gaskets and the good aftermarket MLS stuff requires NO sealer.
Valve covers on 3.8s do not need RTV sealer. The valve cover gaskets are made of RTV silicone and, as long as they are in good condition will seal very well. All RTV will do is make a mess and make future removals difficult.
You MUST install new head bolts. They are torque-to-yield fasteners and are good for only one use. Also, not to many people know it but the stock rocker arm bolts are also torque-to-yield fasteners, too and should be replaced. You can buy reuseable rocker bolts from INTENSE Racing.
You do need RTV when installing the intake manifold gaskets and the seals. It is applied as CDNFB states, above.
As for the "dremel bits" for some DIY porting, you'll find that trying to use a Dremel for that is a fool's errand. The Dremel is not intended for the type of grinding and deburring necessary in head work. An air or electric die grinder is required. For a good understanding of DIY port work see:
http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyport.shtm
All of the above suggestions are based on the work we've done on the "Camaro Performers" magazine V6 project car.
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