I am ordering parts to get my engine put back together. I'm getting new cylinder heads from Odessa/Clearwater, and the plenum repair kit from Hughes. Here is my RockAuto order for timing set, thermostat, gaskets, and head bolts. I'm kind of nervous as I've never been quite this far into an engine before, so I'd appreciate it if you all can look this over for me and let me know if I'm missing something.

 

I would just get the stock 195* thermostat instead of the 180* one. On the head bolts is the price each or a set? You need to make sure it is a complete set of head bolts. You should also get the bypass hose that goes from the intake manifold to the water pump. And because you are already in there doing all this work replace your water pump also.

 

Unless you have a tuner and other mods to go with it, stay with the stock 195* thermostat...

 

Get a different timing cover gasket set. You want the one WITHOUT the sleeve.

 

And I didn't list intake manifold bolts because you said that you are getting the Hughes Engine plenum kit which comes with everything.

 

Ok, thanks for the input. On the head bolts, it looks to be a complete set of 20 bolts, but it doesn't specifically say that. I'll give them a call and confirm that tomorrow before I order.

There is a bypass hose included in the Hughes kit, is this a different hose or is it a sub-standard hose? I know I've seen many people say to stay away from the included gasket.

I replaced the water pump a couple of years ago, so I'm thinking I should have a lot of life left in it at this point.

Thanks for the heads up about the timing cover gasket, how about this one: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=526&jpid=1 ? I'm not exactly sure what the sleeve is, can you educate me? To tell the truth I didn't even notice the w/o sleeve option when I added it to the cart, I just figured I'm going to need the one with everything.

 

It's been a while since I had looked at the kit. Yes that is the hose you need.
I don't remember what gaskets came with my kit when I did it on my engine. I used the gaskets that came with the kit.

 

Curious also

 

The kit with the repair sleeve is for harmonic balancers that have a groove worn in them where the seal rides. If it isn't scored.... no need for the sleeve, but, the seal that comes with it won't work without it. If it needs the sleeve, just replace it. Putting the sleeve on is a major pain.... They always wrinkled for me, and that's the end of it.

 

uh, thats not good to hear. I just put that seal in with out using the sleeve!! No leaks yet? What should i expect?