Maintenance to do while doing PI headswap

[Miles]

I'll be getting new spark plugs with the headswap kit, but wondering what else I should while the car is in pieces..

I'm thinking:

1. Clean exterior of fuel injectors
2. Flush radiator coolant reservoir
3. Flush radiator hoses
4. Replace power steering fluid
5. Replace coolant
6. Change oil and filter

Any additional thoughts, other than a good clean of course

 

[MyEarsHurt]

I did all that and also replaced the water pump, just to be on the safe side. But I also painted everything while it was out of the engine bay. I painted the following:

- valve covers
- coolant reservoir
- Intake
- Timing cover
- Alternator

Here is a good shot of the timing cover...

Here is the intake painted....

Valve Covers...

And the total package

PM me if you want some more info...and good luck with the swap

 

[stangGT97]

damn that looks awesome!

 

[four six]

OMG what type of paint did you use? that looks awesome

 

[40th GT]

I'll be getting new spark plugs with the headswap kit, but wondering what else I should while the car is in pieces..

I'm thinking:

1. Clean exterior of fuel injectors
2. Flush radiator coolant reservoir
3. Flush radiator hoses
4. Replace power steering fluid
5. Replace coolant
6. Change oil and filter

Any additional thoughts, other than a good clean of course

I would add the following to the list, if they haven't been done in the past 30k miles.
-transmission fluid change
-rear end fluid
-bleed the brakes
-air filter
-fuel filter
-inspect serpentine belt

 

[DBMSTNG]

if the cam gear on the crankshaft is the 2 piece design, upgrade to the 1 piece. check the timing chains as well. they should be fine, but it doesn't hurt to check when you already have the engine apart.

 

[Miles]

Cheers guys. I've got 89K Km (~ 55K miles) on it, and have never changed the rear end or transmission fluid - good calls.

MyEarHurts,
I PM'd you re paint type, # of coats, etc, but looks like you may as well post it - again, awesome job!

 

[TangerineGT96]

MyEarsHurt-your motor looks sweet man,the intake looks like metal NICE JOB!!!

 

[CobraM23]

Another one is clean the carbon buildup off the top of the pistons.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

Its a duplicolor high temp paint (rated at like 1500 degrees or something...overkill I know but I wasnt repainting that bitch). I spent endless hours prepping it and getting all the oil off of everything then I just put on a coat, dried with a hairdryer and repeated, 3-4 coats on everything. The worst part was the striping on the valve covers because I had to tape off everything over and over again.

 

[bluestreak_96gt]

Yeah man your shat I ****ing sweet, I painted my components bright azz yellow. Looked good, till it went on a few backroads...

 

[296blackstangs]

definately take the time to clean the carbon off especially since its going to be higher comp....also take compressed air and blow out the water jacket holes there will still be coolent in there that didn come out...messy but worth iimo

 

[mrshl13]

Replace gaskets except maybe the valve cover gaskets.

 

[DTNODYA]

You may want to clean your plentum and TB, mine were nasty when I installed my intake so I cleaned em. Inspect your O-rings on your injectors .. one of mine was shot. Everything else I did has already been mentioned. Good luck with the swap.

 

[Miles]

Thanks again all for chimming in. INstead of painting my valve covers, I think I might pick up the BBK polished valve covers.

Two things though - 1. the bolts were replaced by allen bolts (prone to stripping?) and 2. slightly larger, and hence harder to fit in.

Anyone w/ experience? Doesn't seem that many people have these...