I usually SeaFoam an engine beore a head swap . . . less cleaning on the pistons.

If you have all the parts layed out, no distractions, and no broken parts . . . 3-4hrs.

You'll spend most of the time swapping springs over, or fighting with the headers.

 

I did my head swap in one day. Like everyone else said, the most time consuming part is cleaning and getting coolant out of the head bolt holes.

 

Everyone talks about the pain of cleaning the head bolts out. Couldnt you just blow the coolant out of the head bolts with a air compressor?

 

I've done several head swaps and its not too bad. You should have it done in a day

 

You probably could, but I like to use paper towels first then go back with compressed air. A lot less messy this way from my experiences.

 

That is true. What kinda head gaskets are most of you guys using?

 

GM multi-layer steel

 

Yeah, some people put a big straw over the nipple on the air compresser valve, then put the straw in the bottom of the bolt hole and blow it out. I then do the paper towel trick to get the rest. The water can really mess up your torque readings.

Joe, I don't think I could do that job in 3-4 hours, not even close. It takes me around 10-12 to do the cam/head swap with air tools. Go slow on cleaning and even slower on the head torque.

Easy job really.. that requires some real cold beer for your back by the end of the day...lol Good luck.

Pitt

 

These handle a healthy shot of spray?

 

took me 2 days to do mine the bolts holes sucked cleaning and my back killed me for a week but its all worth it in the end