A local shop said i would need a new headgasket and valve gaskets? Is this correct? Can I use the old gaskets?

 

They shouldnt be touching the head gasket. I re-used the valve-cover gasket with no problem.

 

If you're getting your head pulled then you obviously need a new head gasket. Why they'd pull your head for cams I cannot fathom (unless you're getting more work done than cams). My VC gasket leaked when I reused it even though I torqued it back to spec. Hit or miss I suppose. They're cheap IIRC

 

The answer is no. For a cam swap you do not need a headgasket. The only time you will need a headgasket is when you are putting in headstuds (the right way) by pulling the head or if you blow it haha. If you are doing a direct cam swap without springs retainers etc then you dont even need to physically pull the t-belt off it can be accomplished w/o pulling the t-belt. Anyways the shop that you talked to is wrong, id find a more reputable place that isnt going to try to take your money

-Anthony

 

Just blew mine after getting a tune and installing cams and FMIC. I'd do the headgasket + studs when you have the chance.

 

Head gasket is not needed for cam install. My valve cover gasket isn't leaking and I reused it. Only time you need to be conerned with headgasket and studs is if you are getting valvetrain work done or considerably upping the boost level. Like 25 or 26 psi 0r higher.