Planning on the following mods to my 96 K3500 with 201K miles

Will get:
>New 2.5" crossover pipe
>New 4" back exhaust with 3" into 4" new down pipe.
>New Turbomaster Pro Turbo
>Heath Diesel Max E Tork kit (includes programed ECM and mechanical Turbo Master)
>SS Diesel Supply Cooling upgrade kit (includes dual thermostats with 180 degree stats and upgraded HO water pump with the addition of the larger 21" Duramax fan and brand new clutch)
>New belt and all new hoses etc...
> New Harmonic balancer and pulley
>Boost gauge & Pyrometer gauge
> Cold Air Intake kit (have not decided on which one yet)
> New injectors and glowplugs (or might get remain injectors)

Which brings me to this - I would really like to change the head gaskets, however, would like to do that with the engine in the truck. How hard is this and what tips can you share about making it easier (common problems etc..). The truck will be inside and I can take as much time as I need to on the project.

I would like to install head studs (ARP) if possible with the engine in the truck after I pull the heads and clean things up. Any suggections about that process??

Any tips are appreciated.

Thank you,

~GOD BLESS~

john

 

Sounds like you'll have a brand new truck when your done. And you'll love the gains. I haven't heard anything on the Turbomaster Pro Turbo. Is that something Heath is selling? whats the specs on it?

I know a lot of people have done studs and a lot of people have had issues with studs and coolant getting into the oil. Are you wanting to go with studs because you plan on more boost?

 

The Turbo Master Pro is NOT a Heath product. I am getting many things from Heath, however, Turbomaster pro is a new , not remain turbo, that has a 1 year, 12,000 mile warranty that I bought from them when I owned my 97 'Burb and thought I might need a new turbo. So I would say it is an off the shelf regular turbo - but it is fresh and looks well made.

Good point on the studs causing coolant leaks - I was thinking about them if I went with Heaths Turbo and was plannin on running say 16 PSI pulls. But in reality I will most likely be in the 4-10 PSI range.

Thoughts about doing the swap & install while the motor is in the truck?

Thanks!

~GOD BLESS~

john

 

I say you should be able to pull it off with the engine in the truck. Upper and lower intake to come off along with injector lines. From here I read that you want to check stud clearance. Drop a stud in each hole and see what ones will give you issues sliding the head on and off. Install the ones you can in the block. The ones you can't, put a nut on them and leave them in the head. Once the heads are in place install the troubled studs.

Haven't done this myself I'm just relaying what I have read. If you have a body lift this shouldn't be an issue. Good luck. I hope this helps

 

whats the exhaust housing size on that new turbo?

 

Thank you for the tips on the head studs - will keep that in mind for certain. I have no body lift in my shop. Just a bunch of jackstands and several 4 ton rolling jacks. I do not have an engine jack/crane - but can get one at HF if need be.

Here is the link to the site I bought the turbo on:
1997 Chevrolet from TurboChargerPros

They do not have any specs listed for exhaust size, however, if you click on the turbo image it has lots of pictures and is supposed to be a direct bolt on - with the exception that I have to clock the turbo to get it to align.

I bought model#4030027AN (remember I had the suburban at the time. But the same part number for my K35000)

~GOD BLESS~

john

 

Ok that looks like a reman stock GMx turbo.
Oh and sorry correction on the body lift. I was referring to if you had a body lift on your truck, you know, body/3'' spacer/ frame. Then you wouldnt see an issue as the firewall would be 3'' higher and allow more room around the motor.

 

Yeah the turbo is nothing special. just new in box as compared to 201K miles and 19 years old.

The truck has no lift as far as I can tell from being under it and looking at the axle mounts to the frame etc... SO it still has to be decided if I try in truck or out of it...

~GOD BLESS~

john