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I am thinking of replacing my ARP head bolts on my 02 Z06 with a set of ARP head studs/nuts. This is in preparation for future projects and (because I just need something to wrench on my Z).
I have read that the head bolts can be replaced one at a time, going in the same order as the torquing procedure.
My question is how would you proceed to torque the studs/nuts? It is a three step process (25 lb-ft, then 50 lb-ft, then 70 lb-ft with ARP studs/nuts). Do you do each stud one at a time and start at 25, then on the same stud/nut go to 50 then 70. Then proceed to replace the next bolt with a stud and repeat?
Or should you just torque directly to the final 70 lb-ft since all of the other head bolts are at the final torque?
I don't want to replace the head gaskets nor remove the heads. I want to replace the bolts with studs in a way that preserves the existing head gaskets.
This has been done successfully many times in the International 6.0 powerstroke diesel world. I wouldn't be scared to try it on an LS based motor. Worst case scenario you are going to have to take the heads off and replace the gaskets. If you're willing to accept that, I say go for it.
I also would be shocked if ARP said sure go ahead.
It would seem prudent to me to just wait until you actually have to remove the heads for some reason and then install the studs. Any number of things that can go wrong doing the job as you describe. You could end up with a gasket leak, break a bolt, damage threads in the block and then have to pull the heads. At that point you would probably wish you'd just left things alone.
I sorta chuckled at the comment about the gasket not reseating. I wouldn't be afraid to do it. It's not like the head is going to be sliding around with one bolt missing.
If I did it, I'd go all the way on the torque the first time, but even that probably doesn't matter. It'll be plenty safe from moving with 25 ft lbs.
That said, I can't imagine this being a must do situation where you'd give it a shot with nothing else to tear apart. You must really like wrench'n on the car.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by 93Polo
Why are you looking to do this? With power adders a ring land often fails before the stock head gasket with stock bolts.
that's what I was thinking, if the heads are going to be removed for future mods then sure I get doing the studs but if not then I don't see the need to go through the trouble just to do studs only... the stock head bolts can hold more than you may think, it's when you detonate that really causes heads to lift because of the pressure spike
Different engine but same concept...I’ve done it on several Cummins engines. Including my personal truck that’s been over 800rwhp and 65psi boost for 3 years. If I felt the need for head studs on my corvette I’d do them one at a time.
I would think that the need for head studs wouldn't arise until you've SIGNIFICANTLY increased the power output of the engine. And in that case, you've most likely removed the cylinder heads for modification, so yeah, install the studs at that point. But to install them, just for "s**ts and giggles", with the heads still in place, I would think that you're opening the door for troubles, like coolant seeping past the head gaskets, and into the cylinders, which would cause a LOT more trouble that the OP is looking for.
I would think that the need for head studs wouldn't arise until you've SIGNIFICANTLY increased the power output of the engine. And in that case, you've most likely removed the cylinder heads for modification, so yeah, install the studs at that point. But to install them, just for "s**ts and giggles", with the heads still in place, I would think that you're opening the door for troubles, like coolant seeping past the head gaskets, and into the cylinders, which would cause a LOT more trouble that the OP is looking for.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Sounds like the Op might actually be happy with a head gasket leak so he could rip in there and do it a second time.
There are tons of people running lots of boost in stock head bolts with no issues. I was running 12lbs on them in my last build. My suggestion is evaluate why you think it is you need studs to begin with because chances are the bottom end is going to give out before you ever lift a head in stock bolts.
10-15-2018, 12:48 PM
Replace Head Bolts with Studs One At A Time?
