The cost of parts can really add up. I spent around $600 on parts alone, including a new timing belt and gasket. Then factor in tools if you don’t have them already.
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Wow, I was hoping to keep it under $500! Maybe I’ll look for used parts. Could save a lot of money there.
I replaced mine last spring. Just be aware of the coolant and oil lines. They’re a pain to disconnect! Take your time, and don’t rush through that part.
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Right? I ended up breaking one and had to wait for a replacement. Such a hassle. Just a heads up to anyone attempting this: keep patience in your toolbox!
Also, make sure to resurface the head! If you skip this step, you might face issues with sealing. A bad seal can lead to overheating. I learned that the hard way!
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Yikes, I really don’t want to go through that! Thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely take the head to a machine shop.
If I may ask, how long did it take everyone to get their heads replaced? I’m planning my weekends, and I’d love to know what I’m in for.
It took me about 12 hours spread over two days. Just pace yourself and take breaks. It can get tedious!
I’m laughing because my husband said it would only take one day. I like him optimistic haha, but it took him two days. We definitely learned together!
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That’s the spirit! Sometimes these projects turn into great bonding experiences, despite the frustrations.
Don’t forget to take breaks. I made the mistake of pushing through once and it was a disaster! I was second-guessing everything afterward.
I’ve encountered some significant performance issues with my 2012 Cruze’s head. Has anyone had luck with aftermarket enhancements?
You might want to consider upgrading to a performance cylinder head. I read that brands like Edelbrock can improve your gains by about 15-20%!
Performance upgrades sound great, but what are the potential impacts on the engine’s reliability? Anyone had bad experiences?
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That’s a valid concern. If done properly, aftermarket heads can actually enhance reliability. Just make sure to pair them with compatible components.
I’ve seen a lot of users mention using aftermarket tuners along with head upgrades for better performance. Does that really make a difference?
Yes! Using a tuner can help optimize your engine parameters and maximize the benefits from a head upgrade. You could see gains of an additional 10-15%!
I wonder if all these modifications will throw off the Cruze’s warranty. Has anyone checked into that?
Good question! Most aftermarket upgrades do void warranties, so it’s best to weigh costs vs. potential benefits beforehand.
Instead of just head improvements, have you thought about the entire intake system? It could yield better gains overall if you tackle it holistically!
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