I need some help asap. I replaced my heads and when I removed them, the lowest bolt on the driver side rear was a pita to get out. I actually had to lift the head up a bit with the bolt to get it to come out. Now I am installing the new heads with ARP bolts. They are the right length too (I checked) but the firewall right where the steering shaft comes out is stopping the bolt from going in straight. I really don't wanna drill a big fukn hole to get it to go in right or beat the hell outta my firewall. Has anyone had this problem or can offer me any insight? BTW, its on a Silverado SS.

 

Why not reverse the process you used to get it off. You could put that one bolt in the head. Set the head in place on the locating dowels and then install the remaining bolts. The only other alternative I can think of is to use ARP studs instead of bolts.

 

Would unbolting the trans mount and jacking the trans up a bit rock the engine forward enough to clear?

 

Put that bolt in the head when you go to put the head on the block.

 

I was going to suggest this as well.

 

we had this same issue on mine. You have to put the head on with the bolt in it

 

That's what I thought, but forgot to do it when I put the head on and I already have all the other bolts in, just not torqued obviously. Do you think jacking up the rear of the trans would do it?

 

Putting the bolt in the head first will work, why bother messing around with the trans and finding out the hard way whether or not if that will work

 

Exactly..

It will be easier to take the bolts out then put that one in that is needed to clear, then jacking the trans and all that around...

 

Trans mount is two nuts and a floor jack, not exactly hard and it DOES work, Ive done it before.