1999 Chevy 3100 SFI Head Questions

[Jogasz28]

I'm continuing the top end rebuild.
I pulled all the lifters and cleaned them and reinstalled them.
Cleaned both heads and replaced the oil pump O-Ring.

Questions:
Can I reuse the original Head Bolts?

Should I use the OEM exhaust manifold gasket setup with the shield and
gaskets on both sides of the shield? Or is there an improved version out there?

I've got 2 broken exhaust manifold studs that snapped 1/4" below the head surface.
I'm soaking them in solvent now. Should I use the Easy-Out method? Or is there
an easier way? Again, should I go with OEM studs? Or are there improved versions out there?

If not OEM please recommend Brands.
TIA,

[Jogasz28]

I did a quick search and came up with these:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SCE-4317/

Any good?
Or are there better Brands besides OEM?

I gotta look at the FM. I thought there was a gasket on either side of the shield...I'm probly wrong...long day.

[Jogasz28]

No one?

I found the local Autozone has the gaskets but I'm leary of quality.

Also, should I send the heads out to a shop to be freshened and checked for warpage?
There was no evidence of gasket leakage when I removed the heads.
The engine has 75K on it with a good maintenance history.

[Superdave]

you shouldn't reuse the headbolts, new ones are cheap.


the stock exhaust manifold gaskets are reusable, as long as you didn't damage them they will work fine.

For the broken studs, i'd just take the head to a machine shop and let them deal with it. It's too easy to damage the head and those studs can be a huge pain to remove.

[Jogasz28]

you shouldn't reuse the headbolts, new ones are cheap.


the stock exhaust manifold gaskets are reusable, as long as you didn't damage them they will work fine.

For the broken studs, i'd just take the head to a machine shop and let them deal with it. It's too easy to damage the head and those studs can be a huge pain to remove.

Thanks for the reply.
Unfortunately, the two busted exhaust studs and the exhaust gasket they held were missing before I started this job.
I'm thinking I'll order the head bolts and a set of exhaust gaskets from Summit.
As you suggest, I'll let a local shop deal with the broken exhaust studs.

[Jogasz28]

FWIW,
I found the Exhaust Manifold to Head Studs for the 3100 at the local Pontiac Dealer GM P/N 11589154. Bag indicates Quantity of 5, but they sold me 2 at $1.22 each
The local Chevy Dealer didn't have any in stock.