Header studs vs bolts. Pros and Cons
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Joined: Jun 2020
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Header studs vs bolts. Pros and Cons
Getting ready to install headers on my base C6 auto and started thinking back to my hotrodding days in high school and I basically used to stud everything. Any cons to studs vs bolts on LS3 headers? Clearance issues?
thing knower
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: wpb
It depends on the installation. On many street-driven vehicles, where the master cylinders for example might protrude into the engine compartment, it’s probably necessary to use head bolts so that the cylinder heads can be removed with the engine in the car. For most applications however, studs are recommended. Using studs will make it much easier to assemble an engine, as the stud will act as a guide, ensuring proper alignment for the head and gasket. Studs also provide more accurate and consistent torque loading. See page 38 of our catalog for more discussion on the topic. For help in deciding what is best for your application, please call our Technical Support desk at 800.826.3045."
https://arp-bolts.com/p/faq.php
disregard, read "head studs"
Last edited by drewz06; Mar 10, 2021 at 12:31 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,662
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From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Always difficult for me to get that first header bolt started while also holding the header in place.
Either way, use ARP hardware and use anti-seize. Not a bad idea to use a thread chaser to clean the threads in the head.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,240
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From: Tampa FL
I have a 11 G.S. and tried ARP S.S. header studs. I found you have to tighten then using the very end on stud and a small wrench. they just didn't give me trust in them. While my Kooks headers installed from under the car laid right in place. (Fit like a glove)
I just didn't like the studs and removed them. The studs were replaced with Stage 8 header bolts. These have a French locks and will not loosen and leak.
https://www.stage8.com/gm-performanc...der-bolt-kits/
I just didn't like the studs and removed them. The studs were replaced with Stage 8 header bolts. These have a French locks and will not loosen and leak.
https://www.stage8.com/gm-performanc...der-bolt-kits/
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
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Question comes down to if you have help installing the headers or not?
With help, hence you under the car feeding the headers up from the bottom and someone else holding the gaskets and installing the bolt, standard bolts are fine.
On the other hand, if its just you, then studs so you can place the gaskets on the studs, feed and headers up and put them on the studs, then get out from under the car to install the nuts on the studs next. Or just use a few studs so you can get the gaskets and headers in place, then start installing the bolts, and pull the few studs in the end to install the bolts. Same would go for pulling the headers at some point, with just a reverse of a few studs as you are pulling the bolts before you get back under the car.
With help, hence you under the car feeding the headers up from the bottom and someone else holding the gaskets and installing the bolt, standard bolts are fine.
On the other hand, if its just you, then studs so you can place the gaskets on the studs, feed and headers up and put them on the studs, then get out from under the car to install the nuts on the studs next. Or just use a few studs so you can get the gaskets and headers in place, then start installing the bolts, and pull the few studs in the end to install the bolts. Same would go for pulling the headers at some point, with just a reverse of a few studs as you are pulling the bolts before you get back under the car.
Last edited by Dano523; Mar 10, 2021 at 02:54 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 258
From: Tampa FL
I would suggest that you use G.M. OEM Headers gaskets rather than aftermarket. That you apply headers and leave a bit loose till you connect X pipe to them. then wrench them down. Torque 11 FT # first pass .......15 FT # final pass
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2020
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From the replies it seems like that studs are a preference item and not a performance item. Will just reuse the bolts since I will have assistance with the install.