Don't worry about that. I was able to hand thread ALL bolts freely. I could probably spin them in there [exaggeration]. So I know all threads were clean. The head bolts cam pre-applied with thread-lock, but I put my own on just to be safe. They went in smooth as glass.. but I am also not all that strong. And my torque wrench is only 18" I think. I know it isn't 24" that'* for sure. Which could add to my weakness. It'* not that bad, but it it isn't easy. I'm alright now.. my arms feel much better. I know I can tackle the rear no problems now.


-justin

Just got out tape and my 1/2" torque wrenchs range from 15 to 19 ", it is my breaker bar that is 24". Of course if you install per the 1990 service manual, why new bolts are required becomes evident (tighten to 35 lb-ft in sequence, then 130 degrees in sequence, then 30 degrees in sequence.

1992 "L" procedure is the same except only the center four bolts are rotated the final 30 degrees.

1988 service manual has a different method - start at 25 lb-ft, then 90 degrees, then an additional 90 degrees. Has caveat: Do not exceed 60 lb-ft which would probably be about right for all years, not sure where 100 lb-ft came from. (I did not bother to look up before).

So basically with new bolts, 25 lb-ft then a half turn more.

90 manual did mention that the GM head gaskets are not interchangable and have an arrow that points to the front, no idea about aftermarket.

Yeah, mine had an arrow. And my FSM said 100ft lbs, and nothing about starting off lower and whatnot. Although I did go from 45-60, 60-75, 75-90, 90-100. I wasn't strong enough to keep going all the way, but I knew about starting off slow and whatnot.


-justin

Just so I have this straight. Your '90 manual gives a torque reading rather than angle dimension?

If you guys were standing right here, I would just hug you all!

I LOVE THIS ******* CAR!!!!!!!!

I've been working on her since 11:30 only taking a 1hr lunch break. And a few other '2 minute' pauses for water. And guess what? She is running like a champ! This is the best she has ever ran, EVER! I betcha she runs better now than she did at the factory. That'* how damn good she runs.

All head bolts torqued down. Everything all good to go. Changed oil [once again]. No water! . Put coolant in, put too much, got it coming out the overflow nipple . Car got up to ~190ish, tstat opened, dropped down to the lowest temp she'* ever been! Not even to the 1/4 mark. Probably around 140-150. Idles at a beautiful [never seen by me] 800RPM. Super smooth. Engine, quiet as can be. And she just jumps to life when you give her some gas.

I had to move her to get closer to the hose [I'm kinda lazy, didn't feel like dragging the hose all that far]. Threw her into Reverse, and I didn't even know it engaged! That'* how smooth it was! No "clunk." The whole car didn't shake, nothing. Smooth as glass. Same thing for all gears. Instant engagement, and all smooth as can be. I used to have to give a significant amount of gas to move the car around in my driveway, now I just need to tap it lightly. Sometimes I can just idle! And that'* on gravel/grass/plywood!

I am just so god damn excited! I wish I could take her out right now! It'* very tempting not to! [my mom is already asleep].

Thank you guys! You have no clue how good I feel right now. Just what all went down today.. just feels so incredible! And to think, just a few weeks ago, she was in shambles.


-justin

tear up your neighbor'* lawn, you dont need a licensed driver with you to do that.







j/k. congrats on the whole thing from start to finish. sounds like somebody is gonna have fun tomarrow

Hell yeah! Just hope I can get my mommy to come along. Because driving without a license is bad, I shall no longer do that. [seriously].

I've got something better for my neighbour .


-justin