Past the LIM, how much extra time required for Headgaskets ?

I was looking at the book times from Mitchell and Alldata for working on the 3.4L engine in the vans. It shows about 6-7 hours labor for replacing the LIM gasket and 13 hours for replacing the headgaskets. My first time in doing the LIM probably took me twice as long but of course next time I will be quicker.

I didn't realize there was that much more work to remove the heads after getting the lower intake manifold off. I have started another thread trying to get more discussion on what all is involved but I believe it is the crossover pipe, front and rear exhaust heat shields and manifolds.

Is it really going to be almost twice as much work (extra 6 hours) to get the heads off of the 3.4 and replace the headgaskets? my knees are starting to shake... :crying:

BTW, the book time for doing a complete long block engine replacement is about 17 hours.

Also, GM has a TSB that is dated 4-15-08 that says the head bolts are torque to yeild (TTY) bolts and therefore must be replaced with new bolts. I had read from one person that the bolts were not TTY and could be cleaned and reused but it appears that is incorrect.

They are one time only, stretch bolts. I've always replaced them. Much of the time you speak of is spent cleaning the block up and getting ready for the reassembly. You need to chase the head bolt holes to clean them up, polish up the mating surface, get all that gunk up out of the casting where the cam is, etc. It takes hours to get it cleaned up good. Changing the engine is much easier.

They are one time only, stretch bolts. I've always replaced them. Much of the time you speak of is spent cleaning the block up and getting ready for the reassembly. You need to chase the head bolt holes to clean them up, polish up the mating surface, get all that gunk up out of the casting where the cam is, etc. It takes hours to get it cleaned up good. Changing the engine is much easier.