Remy_

I am removing the heads to replace my head gasket and was wondering if I really needed to set the engine to TDC or if there were any advantages in doing so.

mmartinez

I don't know why you would need to have the engine at TDC for head gasket replacement, you do need the engine at TDC when replacing a cam shaft or timing chain.

schmuckingham

Older distributor motor, sure. With this as long as the cam is not removed then it doesn't not matter for removal.

vettenuts

Yes, should be a TDC. It's for rocker tightening sequence later when you are re-assembling the valve train. I would set it and mark your damper with a dab of paint.

mmartinez

Learn something new everyday.

C5MSG2004Vert

This is what I found. For tightening rocker arms.

Set motor at TDC for No. 1

Tighten: exhaust valve rocker arm bolts 1, 2, 7, and 8 to 30 Nm (22 ft lbs)

Tighten: intake valve rocker arm bolts 1, 3, 4, and 5 to same torque setting.

Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees

Tighten: Exhaust ........3, 4, 5, and 6

Tighten: Intake..........2, 6, 7, and 8

vito02

Yes, I think its wise to verify TDC whenever the opportunity presents.

grinder11

Though it's probably best to have as little tension as possible on the rocker when tightening the mounting bolt, I have never had a problem with stripping threads on the AFR 225 cathedral heads I once had, or on the current LS7 heads I'm now using on my LS7 C5. NEVER start the bolts with a power tool. I've always started them by hand, and used just a good old ratchet. My opinion.....