Hey guys, about to pull the blower and current LQ4/LS3 heads setup (sold) in my 2003 Silverado RCSB Z71.

Got a low mile 2005 LQ4 going in next weekend with a KB log manifold and S475 (T4 1.10 83mm). Cam is a JFR 220/224.

Usually I always install LS9 head gaskets and Chinese head stud kit. But this is my daily driver/tow rig and wondering if I really need to bother pulling the heads, having them surfaced, new LS9 head gaskets, and studs. I can get ARP head bolts for $130, their stud kit is $350. The Chinese head stud kit is not an option because I have to have the engine assembled by Friday for weekend install and no one will guarantee delivery by Weds (Summit only takes a day since they are 2 hours away).

So what do you guys think? Needed or unnecessary expense?

​​​​​​​Thanks!!

 

My opinion says no, they are not always required.

A crazy amount of people run stock head gaskets and stock bolts all the time. At a certain point they should be considered.

I'd slap the motor in there and let it eat.

 

At what point? Like shooting for 10-12 psi or 700 to the tire?

 

From all the things I see people doing this these days and never even taking off the cylinder heads, something like 700-800hp or more.

Anything over 500hp to the tire will just be useless wheel spin anyway lol.

 

I make 550+ to the tire now and it could hook in a car wash in 4WD and it doesn't even hint like it's going to lose traction.

 

I run the LS2 gasket and ARP studs, if your looking for piece of mind just slap on some OEM replacement gaskets and ARP bolts and let her eat

I’ll echo what five finger death punch stated, you can go pretty far on the stock stuff

 

LS9 head gaskets are $80, worth going for them it if pulling the heads anyway.

 

Well 4WD is a little different than 2WD where it would just spin but that's not really the point here lol.

If you did anything you can just do new bolts, do them one at a time and you won't have to do new gaskets or anything with the heads.

 

It’s really up to you, and how fast parts can come in. If you plan to pop the heads off then swap over to the LS9’s, if your going to keep the heads on just swap the TTY bolts for some ARP’s

 

ARP bolts and LS9 head gaskets will be here tomorrow, dropping the heads off to make sure they are nice and flat/straight at tbe local machine shop, I will have them swap valve springs while they are there too.