Installation Procedure

For cleaning and inspection procedure, refer to Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
Assemble the NEW piston and connecting rod. Refer to Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble .
Adjust the piston ring joints as followed:

Fig 1: Piston Ring Joint Adjustment Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
1. Upper compression ring (1)
2. Lower compression ring (4)
3. Oil ring (2) or (3)
4. Oil ring spacer (5)
The arrow (1) on the piston head must point to the timing side.

Fig 2: Connecting Rods And Arrow On Piston Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
The markings on the connecting rods (2) must point to the transmission side.
Lubricate the piston rings, piston, inner cylinder bore surface and a piston ring compressor with clean engine oil.

Fig 3: Pistons, Connecting Rods And Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Install the piston ring compressor in order to compress the piston rings.
Install the pistons (1) in compound with connecting rods (2) and upper connecting rod bearings (3) to the engine block and to the crankshaft.
Install the 2 connecting rod bearings and the 2 connecting rod bearing caps (2) of cylinder 1 and 4.

Fig 4: Connecting Rod Bearing Caps And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: The flarings (arrows) on the connecting rod bearing caps must point to the transmission side. The connecting rod bearing caps must be installed in their original position.
Install the 4 NEW connecting rod bearing cap bolts (1) and tighten in the following sequence:
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

CAUTION: Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Caution .
1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts an additional 45 degrees. Use EN-470-B wrench.
Rotate the crankshaft 180 degrees.
Install the 2 connecting rod bearings and the 2 connecting rod bearing caps (2) of cylinder 3 and 2.

Fig 5: Connecting Rod Bearing Caps And Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: The flarings (arrows) on the connecting rod bearing caps must point to the transmission side. The connecting rod bearing caps must be installed in their original position.
Install the 4 NEW connecting rod bearing cap bolts (1) and tighten in the following sequence:
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts an additional 45 degrees. Use EN-470-B wrench.
Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
Lower the vehicle.
Install the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement .
Close the hood.