Hey all just a simple question?
I am currently rebuilding a 1990 2.9 liter engine
I am redoing pistons and bearings and rings and cam as well as lifters.
but the question i have is between the heads and block there is 4 metal sleeves two on each side and i noticed the head bolts go through them when you are bolting on the heads, but i was removing them as i am having the blocked rebored for 20 thou over pistons and rings. I ended up removing these sleeves but one was a real nasty thing and ended up getting mangled but i did get all of them out now are those really needed for anything special or are they just to help replace the heads and gasket. and does anyone really know what they are called for sure?

 

The dowell pins, can be hollow or solid (solid is mainly for the bellhousing though) dowells are mainly for locating your gasket and head easier and correctly on the block. I would have new ones installed since you are already having block work done IMO.

 

Thank you i was thinking i would end up replacing them