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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
I’m doing .027 head gaskets so my heads have to come off. I have read that if I mess with the heads the jugs have to come off and I have to replace the O ring. ? Then am I supposed to replace head bolts or studs? I did my run out and I am at 0.002 so I must have got lucky on that one. Lastly stock throttle body is a 50mm I believe does anyone bore these any longer.
New cylinder orings are recommended as insurance. Also gives you a chance to check stud torque.
stock head bolts and studs are adequate.
A new 58mm TB from SE is cheaper than a 58 from HPI, and works very well.
Replace the cam bearings ( and maybe lifters) while you're there.
I agree with rigid thumper but would add that if the heads come off and the cylinders are not "disturbed" get some 1/2" PVC couplings, slide the over the cylinder studs and secure the cylinders so you can't unintentionally "disturb" them and you can avoid puling the cylinders to replace the base o-rings. Sometimes the heads have to be "encouraged" to separate from the cylinders which will disturb the seal between the cylinder base and the motor cases but sometimes not; of course, be just as careful placing the heads back on the cylinders. I have managed to R/R heads in this fashion a couple of times over the years so I know it can be done; maybe it will work for you.