Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important:

Do not reuse the cylinder head bolts. Install NEW cylinder head bolts during assembly.
Do not use any type of sealant on the cylinder head gasket (unless specified).
The cylinder head gasket must be installed in the proper direction and position.

CAUTION: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

NOTE: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.

Clean the engine block head bolt holes (if required).
Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of the old threadlocking material.
Spray cleaner GM U.S. P/N 12346139, P/N 12377981, Canada P/N 10953463, or equivalent into the hole.
Clean the cylinder head holes with compressed air.
Check the cylinder head locating pins for proper installation.

Fig 1: Identifying Cylinder Head Locating Pins Proper Installation
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the NEW cylinder head gasket onto the locating pins.

Fig 2: Installing Cylinder Head Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: When properly installed, the tab on the right cylinder head gasket will be located left of center, or closer to the front of the engine, and the words "This Side Up", and the engine displacement, will be visible.
Inspect the gasket for proper installation.

Fig 3: Inspecting Gasket For Proper Installation
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the cylinder head onto the locating pins and the gasket.
Install NEW cylinder head bolts.

Fig 4: Installing Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
Tighten
1. 9.1. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a first pass in sequence to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. 9.2. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts a second pass in sequence to 90 degrees using the J 36660-A .
3. 9.3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) to 90 degrees and the M11 cylinder head bolts (9 and 10) to 50 degrees a final pass in sequence using J 36660-A .
4. 9.4. Tighten the M8 cylinder head bolts (11-15) to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
  Begin with the center bolt (11) and alternating side-to-side, work outward tightening all of the bolts.
Install the wiring harness to the clip at the rear of the cylinder head.
Position the oil level indicator tube into place.
Install the oil level indicator tube bolt.

Fig 6: Installing Oil Level Indicator Tube Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Tighten

Tighten the oil level indicator tube bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT - RIGHT in Engine Exhaust.
Install the engine coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to COOLANT AIR BLEED PIPE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT in Engine Cooling.
Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to VALVE ROCKER ARM AND PUSH ROD REPLACEMENT .