So how, exactly, did you manage that one? The only way I can see to do it would be to get the block ready for the studs, slip the gaskets and heads on, install the studs, and finally the nuts. Is this close?
Lemme think.... I think I pulled the opposing motor mount, set the block down on that side as far as it could go on some wood, then prepped the block deck and chased the threads. Tilting the motor gave me an extra inch of room from the nearby engine bay wall and doghouse aperture.
Then I inserted the head dowels, and laid the HG in place, using the dowels to make sure the HG didn't move.
Then I took my shop crane, installed a 6-ft long section of steel to extend its reach (the heads are not that heavy for the crane, but I didn't want to scuff the mating surfaces, so I wanted to use the crane to hold the head while I situated it on the block)
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From the inside:
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Then my buddy used the crane to lift the head, while I aligned it. Due to the closeness of the engine bay walls, I had to insert 3 (and 2 for the other head) head studs in the head, held up with rubber bands. The space was so tight, that if I hadn't preemptively inserted the studs, there wouldn't have been any way to fit them in there due to the closeness of the wall.
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Also, 3 push rods had to be preemptively inserted, and held up with rubber bands too.
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Once everything was ready, my friend lifted the heads with the crane, and he pulled the crane to the front of the van. I held the head in place, so that it wouldn't clash with the engine bay wall, doghouse edge, and block surfaces. Once I felt it was lined up, my friend SLOWLY lowered the crane, and I just lined up the dowels. It laid perfectly on the block, and I started threading the ARP studs down with my allen socket.
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Oh yeah, I forgot about how I applied the torque lube. Since I couldn't put the lube on the end of the stud before inserting it in the block, I used a q-tip to pre-lube each hole in the block, so when the stud would be slid into place in the head, it would receive the lube that way. I only had one stubborn stud, which didn't like to be installed this method. I can't remember how I dealt with it.
I have more photos of the whole process here:
http://www.nickpisca.com/diesel/eng...i-head-gasket-job-without-pulling-the-engine/