Installing engine with heads off?

[AmadeusCharger500]

Would this be crazy? I just thought of this wacky plan to make it easier to get the headers in. My concern is damaging the block/head surface. Would it warp or damage anything using the bolt holes the head attaches to?

[tecmopar]

I'd be worried about scratching up the deck surface using those holes, there are bolt holes in front and back of the block you can use. Also, just my opinion but when I build a motor I like to to get the heads on there because torquing them correctly in the car is a PITA, I know the headers are a Bi**h but I'd feel a lot better knowing that the heads are done right then worry about fighting with the headers, you will get them in after a few curse words, good luck.

[bull]

Sounds like a good way to get a lot of dirt and crap inside the combustion chamber too.

[AmadeusCharger500]

Ok you convinced me. Heads are back on and the hedder cursing shall commence.

[Ghoste]

Besides, header cursing is a rite of passage on every engine installation no matter what.  It's a rule or something.

[aifilaw]

You aren't going to hurt anything by moving the block around by a chain hooked to a head bolt without the head on, just an fyi.

Cover it up and its not going to hurt anything to move the block in there.... I have no trouble accessing head bolts with the heads in place... its the damn headers that get in the way of the lower head bolts. If you think you can do it without getting debris in the engine I'd say go for it, but it sounds like you already put the heads on, so those gaskets are done.