im about to trade a ls head for a b18b block that the head bolt(s) need to be helicoiled is it a bad thing to do and is it expensive?

 

i would go with the time insert kit if you decided to fix it.

its like $330 or so for the kit to change all the head threads.

imo its not worth it

 

Never Helicoil a head bolt thread. Thats the worst thing you can do to mess up that block.

 

timesert every time...DO NOT use a helicoil, I have used the timesert kit quite a few times...usually on a sleeved block or something along those lines...when it is not worth throwing the block out for, but if its just a stock block, it is probably not worth the hassle unless you know someone that has a timesert kit

 

timerserts! There expensive though.

 

when i did my block with time insert. some kid was renting out his kit for like $10 a insert. so ask around and see if you can find someone to do that

 

Timesert x3.
Way better. The small kit is a little bit expensive, but the consumables are reasonable.

 

We used to price the Timesert service at $60 for the first thread and $20 additional threads.

If you dont plan on using the kit much, just find someone that can do it. I dont remember exactly the prices of each kit. but its about $450 for the basic B-series kit. there's also the BIGSERT which is the next size up if it cant be fixed with the basic kit. Thats another $450 for that kit too.

 

Ive seen helicoils work, but you run into a serious issue when/if you go to remove the head. It always takes the helicoil with it and usually destroys the threads you have already tapped for the helicoil. Sounds to me like you're getting a raw deal if that head is in complete usable condition and the block is stock

 

In a stock engine setup, just to put it all back together, the helicoils can work. But in performance situations, when you're either going to put the block through boost or high rpm use, you want that headstuds to hold and not have issues with head lifting, etc.

The LS heads are easy to find so getting the block and investing in $80 to fix the thread is still a good deal.

 

I would also recommend timeserts but I would suggest switching to studs as well. They're the next step in removing any possibility of excessive wear from those threads.