[HWYSTR455]

I've never blown up a heater core either, but all mine are new. If you have a 50+ year old heater core in your car, you would be better off just changing it instead of restricting core coolant flow.

Not sure how much that will impact psi, none I would think, so really doubt the 'fix' helps.

As for valve cover bolts, it's only 2 intake ports on each head, and that's only if you have ported heads beyond a certain point.

If you do have ported heads, sealant would be what you use, don't use any thread locker.

You need e-head compatible hardware too, be it bolts or studs. Some of the pads on the heads are a little lower and bolts/stud threads will bottom out before you reach the required torque value/clamping.

You may want to have your intake checked so they are true to the head surfaces too.

Not that it's specific to E-heads, should do it for any build really.


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[Steve C.]

Has the age of the heads been verified ? The early heads prior to 3/15/02 used different head bolts than newer heads.


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[indymanjoe]

Originally Posted by Steve C.

Has the age of the heads been verified ? The early heads prior to 3/15/02 used different head bolts than newer heads.


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i was surprised they couldnt tell me how old they are.

the guy i got them from did give me arp head bolts that came off when the heads got pulled.
i wonder if i could figure it out maybe doing some measuring?

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by Steve C.

Has the age of the heads been verified ? The early heads prior to 3/15/02 used different head bolts than newer heads.


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You wouldn't happen to recall the differences between the head bolts would you!? Seem to be drawing a blank on specifics. (need more coffee!)



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[Steve C.]

Information on the Edelbrock link offers some notes on the subject. Personally I've always used a ARP stud kit on my heads.

https://www.edelbrock.com/pontiac-he...-kit-8556.html

https://www.edelbrock.com/edelbrock-...ock-heads.html

Note that Edelbrock Cylinder Heads for the Pontiac 389-455 engine require a special head bolt. The head bolt boss heights have been changed in the Pontiac cylinder head to eliminate problems with cracking at the upper head bolt boss end for high-output applications. The new head bolt boss height also simplifies the head bolt kit by requiring only three different lengths instead of six different lengths in the previous head bolt kit.



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