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Thanks to the many posts about installing head studs, I am finally comfortable taking on the project myself. Over the next couple months I am going to gather up the parts and tools to install head studs, upgraded head gaskets, egr delete, new oil cooler, possibly a new HPOP. My question is are there any special tools I need to accomplish these? I want to make sure I have everything before I tear into it. I have read lots of posts about how to do these installs, but haven't seen anyone mention specialized tools that were needed. Thanks in advance for your advice. FYI - I have the Early 04 motor...
What do you mean by this? Full blown aftermarket gaskets? If so, which one? Really the stock gaskets are more then sufficient. We aren't talking about the head gaskets on the 02-04 mustangs that had thin ones on one side(can't remember which one). I'm running stock gaskets and I have far more power then most people on this forum.
What do you mean by this? Full blown aftermarket gaskets? If so, which one? Really the stock gaskets are more then sufficient. We aren't talking about the head gaskets on the 02-04 mustangs that had thin ones on one side(can't remember which one). I'm running stock gaskets and I have far more power then most people on this forum.
The only reason I was considering aftermarket head gaskets was because they are included in a package that comes with the head studs, a new oil cooler, intake gaskets, egr delete. i figured while i was in there, i might as well replace the head gaskets whether its aftermarket or stock. I really have nothing against the stock head gaskets. Oh, the gaskets that I am looking at are the Sinister Black Onyx Head Gaskets.
Cheezit, I have read that the heads are pretty heavy, so I am definitely looking to borrow a shop crane for that. Also already looking for a heavier duty torque wrench as the one i have only goes to 150lbs. any special tools to pull injectors or glow plugs or oil lines, etc?
rickatic, I will definitely get some bandaids and a lot of advil to make the pain away!
Oh, the gaskets that I am looking at are the Sinister Black Onyx Head Gaskets.
From what I know those are essenially stock gaskets, but with more adhesion. In other words, stock gaskets have "glue" around the cylinders and around the edges, with the black onyx you have "glue" all over, not just around the cylinders and the edges.
If you are going to use the black onyx gaskets make sure the head deck and motor deck are spotless... stains are ok but anything other than stains will effect your seal with the onyx gaskets. In my opinion you could never get the surfaces clean enough with the recommended plastic scrapper. You need to very carefully use a razor blade being very careful not the scratch the gasket surfaces.
Some of the HPOP stand pipes need a very large allen key to remove while others use a half inch drive wrench. I believe the large allen key is required on the newer engines with 2 piece stand pipes you should only need the half inch drive wrench
Its more of a gasket material than glue. Like very firm silicon that is already set up. I believe the Black Onyx use a different material than the stockers, I think it is Elastomer, which is what they use on coverings of softer golf *****.
you will need a few torx bits t40,t45. but thats really it. I would suggest that you may want to rent a torque wrench from some place like autozone. Good ones aint cheep.