CV8 head bolt sizes.

[JEEPERS45]

Hi. I have just got a 2002 series2 CV8. It has a blown head gasket. Cant get it in the shed till next week But I want to order parts. Does the 2002 5.7 LS1 have the staggered headbolts or would they be uniform size bolts. Thanks.

 

[Tonner Matt]

Being a 2002 model engine:
You'll need the set that has the 3 different length head bolts in it
The info I have indicates that 3 different lengths were used up to engine number # VF00115501
Another indicator of the 3 different lengths is the rear of the cylinder heads are marked 1MA

Research I've done indicates:
The change from 3 different length bolts, to 2 different length boltss happened at the end of 2003, early into 2004
I have never found any info to confirm the exact month of the change

 

[JEEPERS45]

Thanks Tonner, You are a champ. Will get the parts on the way... Engineparts seem to have the right gear, Are these guys ok or do you recommend someone else. Do you know where I can download an engine manual for the LS1.

 

[Tonner Matt]

You can usually find the head bolts on Ebay at a reasonable price if you can wait for them to arrive
You may be able to find an engine manual online that you could download
I've got this manual and it has a lot better engine info than a Gregorys or a Haynes.....I bought it at Supercheap Auto

I presume you would be chasing up torque specs & sequences
This link may be useful to you as well:
https://www.jegs.com/s/tech-articles/ls-engine-specs.html&title=LS+Chevy+Engine+Specifications