When laying the gaskets down, pay attention to the water jackets on the block-make damn sure they match the head gasket configuration! | 
Power time, baby. Dan drops the AFR heads down. | 
The front cover is reinstalled and the bolts are tightened, then the water pump goes on. When reinstalling the water pump, be sure that its reusable gasket is seated correctly. |
Time to bolt down the AFRs. We'll be using ARP's 134-3610 head bolt kit ($128) which, with a 200,000 psi rating, will enhance the LS2 with much more strength than the factory torque-to-yield bolts ever could. Another obvious benefit: you can reuse the ARPs. | 
Dan transfers over the power steering pump bracket, then oils and installs the ARP head bolts. | 
After the 10 long bolts are snugged, three cycles are made during the torquing process: first 40, then 60, then 85 ft-lbs (only 85 if engine oil is lubricant; ARP Moly lube needs 70 ft-lbs for the last pass). |
Next, the five shorter bolts are snugged. One torque of 29 ft-lbs is made. The process is repeated on the other head. | 
The water jacket plug from the factory passenger head is removed and installed onto the AFRs. For the header gaskets, Dan likes to start the front and rear header bolts, then he trims the gaskets and slips them into place. This is much easier than fighting the header and its gasket to line up. | 
Reassembly time: power steering pump and bracket, rear head grounds, headers and gaskets, A/C tensioner, idler pulley, crank pulley (heating the hub lets it slip on easily), with new GM bolt and red loctite (impact used here, or torqued to 240 ft-lbs). Next, the serpentine belt, and then the radiator/condenser/fan assembly. |