How difficult is it to replace the head assembly?

[GJarrett]

My current build makes about 400 whp on a 100 octane tune using a first gen NX2 turbo; I am considering upgrading to the new NX2 gen 2 turbo. I have a very strong built shortblock installed 25k miles ago, supposedly good for something like 600 or 700hp, so am not worried about stressing it . However I still have the original head assembly on it with original cams, valves, etc (147k miles old). I question the reliability result after installing an even bigger turbo dialed in high psi on components with 147k miles of hard use including track time, so am considering installing a new head assembly onto the shortblock.

Is this a DYI level project? I have confidence in my wrenching skills on old motors but am not quite sure after reading about needing to do stuff now (like "crank relearn" or whatever it's called) procedures. The crankshaft is keyed and I assume I can reassemble the cams/valvetrain correctly but do not know what is involved beyond that - I assume special tools/software/etc is needed after reassembling to complete the job with whatever a crank relearn does (or whatever the term is)?

So can I "shade tree mechanic" a head swap or not? Or maybe do the labor for the swap myself and then send it to a shop to finish with whatever tuning/software/"learning" is involved?

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[GJarrett]

Bump - I thought this might be an easy question; but now that it is a week later, 134 views, and no reply... maybe it wasn't. Does anyone know the answer?

 

[GTP]

I am certainly not qualified to answer. (Although in another life i replaced the head gasket on a Datsun pickup due to financial duress.) But if I were in your situation I would invest the time researching videos and 6g threads to judge if I could successfully manage the project. Unfortunately there can still be some gotchas that are not highlighted in those resources. I would also want a backup plan in place in case something went wrong or I just felt I had gotten in over my head. It's a weighty decision for sure.

 

[Snakebyte]

Bump - I thought this might be an easy question; but now that it is a week later, 134 views, and no reply... maybe it wasn't. Does anyone know the answer?

Based on what you've shared so far, you seem to have capabilities, but like me, may not have the confidence with new technology. But....for me, it depends on how willing am I to have my car "down", and for how long. With the internet, and this absolutely wonderful forum, you should be fine from a technical side. If I had the old-school Helms paper manual, I'd feel comfortable making the change, but hey, online videos, this forum, and internet search engines are in many ways better.

Oh yes, if you need a little more confidence, this should help.

 

[GJarrett]

I tried to search for videos and instructions but all I got was stuff like head gasket replacement; nothing about doing the whole shebang.

This isn't the first time that I wish I could simply check my trusty ol' Chilton's manual these days....

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