Head Studs?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
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From: Oxnard/San Luis Obispo CA
Head Studs?
When I bought my 400 block from my friend he had a bunch of stud kits for it that he gave me. I was wondering whether or not I should use the studs for the heads. I am mainly worried about having to take the heads off while they are in the car. It looks like the clearance would be pretty close on the drivers side. The heads are aluminum if it makes any difference.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard/San Luis Obispo CA
ok I am going to try to track down the right head bolts then.
Would anyone know which ones to get for AFR 195 Street Heads? I was looking around and wasn't quite sure which ones to go with.
Would anyone know which ones to get for AFR 195 Street Heads? I was looking around and wasn't quite sure which ones to go with.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock GA
The idea of head studs is not HAVING to take the heads off to do a gasket swap...I put them in my 383 LT1, and there is far less room to work there than the relatively open bay of a C3 Vette. Besides, most ARP head studs made in recent years have an allen head, so that you can remove them just like bolts in tight spots if need be. Personally I don't use anything else.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 291
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From: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (home in Colorado Springs)
As noted:Head Studs are problematic on C3 Vettes. Just not enough room if you have to pull a head.
Newer head studs are made with an allen (hex) socket in them so you can remove them in a pinch (in theory without removing the head first).
The whole idea for studs is that a bolt would twist while tightining, whereas the stud doesn't and therefore would provide greater clamping force, austensively for high compression racing engines. And again, with racing engines, it is expected that the assembly will be dissassembled frequently. A daily driver should not need any of these requirements for studs.
That being said, I went with studs in my 383. I guess I don't practice what I preach. But it looks real cool when the motor is apart!
Newer head studs are made with an allen (hex) socket in them so you can remove them in a pinch (in theory without removing the head first).
The whole idea for studs is that a bolt would twist while tightining, whereas the stud doesn't and therefore would provide greater clamping force, austensively for high compression racing engines. And again, with racing engines, it is expected that the assembly will be dissassembled frequently. A daily driver should not need any of these requirements for studs.
That being said, I went with studs in my 383. I guess I don't practice what I preach. But it looks real cool when the motor is apart!
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Head studs are the only way to go! I've lost count of how many head removal & replacements I have done on my Vette
I you can't hang with the big Dogs you need to stay home!
You also need e-studs for aluminum heads. They make header mounting a brease
I you can't hang with the big Dogs you need to stay home!
You also need e-studs for aluminum heads. They make header mounting a brease
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard/San Luis Obispo CA
Thanks for all the help.
I decided to get some head bolts since the studs I have don't have allen keys and sell the stud kit on ebay.
If anybody wants them I'll sell them for $80 (They retail for $130 or more)
I decided to get some head bolts since the studs I have don't have allen keys and sell the stud kit on ebay.
If anybody wants them I'll sell them for $80 (They retail for $130 or more)
