Any KA-E head replacement DIY/tips?

[lofapoo]

I've been reading the FSM and searching like mad but I haven't found much information regarding replacing the head on a SOHC KA.

I know you have to unbolt it a certain way and some gaskets will need to be replaced, but I'm pretty much in the dark. I'm still running through searches but I figure I might aswell put a post up to see if anyone can help me out here.

[theman4444]

I don't really know how, but since nobody else likes to respond in here I'm just gonna say you might get some info about it reading the FSM.

[lofapoo]

I've been reading over it in pdf form and printing out pages and hilighting **** that will help me through the task.

I wonder what else I should tackle while I'm in there. Timing chain is quiet for now, but maybe I should remove the guides, or at least inspect them and the chain itself.

Going to buy a gasket kit and replace all the gaskets that I can, and I'll try to remove any useless crap along the way *cough*emissions :p

[neverlift]

dont seperate upper/lower manifold,or throttle body. just the lower from the head. A BIG A$$ BOTTLE OF GASKET REMOVER! And you can crap all emissions stuff except the IAAV on back of int. manni. .I was going to do a total write up on this the day you posted but life kinda just happens. lol lofapoo I like your taillights

[240marcuSX]

Be careful when removing exhaust manifold bolts, so they wont break. Use alot of PB blaster on corroded bolts ahead of time.

Maybe tape off vacuum lines with corresponding numbers to where they plug in so you dont get them mixed up when putting the head back on.

replace head gasket, header gasket, intake mani gaskets (maybe with those spacer gaskets that cool things down a bit)

get rid of EGR, intake butterflies maybe.

I have never taken a head off of anything, but these are things I would consider if I were in the process.

[scruffy63]

use my old thread.

zerothread?id=83930

[240marcuSX]

You sir, have a massive signature.

strange color scheme too, but i kind of like it.

[scruffy63]

that was just my first try I fixed it. and thanx. its kinda hard to be original these days.

[240marcuSX]

haha yeah, as soon as the page reloaded I couldnt tell if I just imagined it being huge or not.

Its like the opposite of the 240's original paint scheme. Ive always likes those wheels too.

[lofapoo]

Damn guys, I was worried for a minute but my good 'ol niconauts came out and saved my rear, or in this case my head Thanks a lot for the advice given so far, and I'm too aware of how 16 year old bolts that get really ****ing hot all the time like to snap, so I will be taking all necessary precautions to avoid having to drill anything out.

Hardest part is going to be finding all the tools we already have, because everything is kind of piled into the storage on the balcony right now. Moving sucks. Having to do a fairly sized amount of work on your car after moving sucks hard.

Keep them good words coming, and yeah, coupes do have a sexy set o' tail lights

[neverlift]

you got the gear holder tool for you cam sprocket? I needed mine and it was worth all 15 dollars. I would recomend someone be present to assist you.

[lofapoo]

It's going to be mainly my pops and myself, and any of my friends who wants to try to help but instead drink our beer.

I'll invest in a gear holder tool since you mentioned it, thanks.

[lofapoo]

The cam sprocket tool, is that to keep the timing chain on the gear to avoid messing with my timing? If so, I was just going to mark it with a sharpie and put a block of wood or something underneath to keep from losing the chain.

I'm not touching the butterfly valves because it really isn't going to do anything for me. However I was looking into some emissions removal for the simplicity of working on the engine and less chances for vacuum leaks.

AC is coming out for sure. AIV is already out.