GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side LSA

Special Tools

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • J 42385-100 Head/Main Bolt Thread Repair Kit

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  2. Remove the power steering pump bracket. Refer to Power Steering Pump Bracket Replacement
  3. .

  4. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side.
  5. Remove the supercharger. Refer to Supercharger Replacement.
  6. Remove the engine wiring harness ground bolt from the rear of the left cylinder head.
  7. Reposition the engine wire harness ground strap away from the cylinder head.

  8. Object Number: 260146  Size: SH

    Note: The cylinder head bolts are NOT reusable.

  9. Remove the cylinder head bolts.
  10. Caution: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  11. Remove the cylinder head.

  12. Object Number: 1408869  Size: SH
  13. Remove the cylinder head gasket (217).
  14. Discard the gasket.
  15. Discard all M8 and M11 cylinder head bolts.
  16. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1408869  Size: SH

    Caution: 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.

    Note: 

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

  1. Clean the engine block cylinder head bolt holes, if required.
  2. Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of old threadlocking material.

  3. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139 (Canadian P/N 10953463), GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent into the hole.
  4. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  5. Install the cylinder head locating pins (230).

  6. Object Number: 1481465  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the locating pins for proper installation.

  8. Object Number: 1657988  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the displacement markings on the gasket for proper usage.

  10. Object Number: 1408869  Size: SH
  11. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket (217) onto the locating pins.

  12. Object Number: 1408868  Size: SH
  13. Install the cylinder head (218) onto the locating pins and the gasket.
  14. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts (200, 221).
  15. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 260150  Size: SH
  16. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  17. 10.1. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a first pass in sequence to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
    10.2. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a second pass in sequence to 80 degrees using the J 45059 .
    10.3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a final pass in sequence to 55 degrees using the J 45059 .
    10.4. 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.
  18. Install the supercharger. Refer to Supercharger Replacement.
  19. Position the engine wire harness ground strap against the cylinder head.
  20. Install the engine wiring harness ground bolt to the rear of the left cylinder head. Tighten the engine wire harness ground bolt to 32 N·m (24 lb ft).
  21. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side.
  22. Install the power steering pump bracket. Refer to Power Steering Pump Bracket Replacement.
  23. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.