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Head studs or bolts

B

blue65coupe

Well-Known Member
:rp

I've got my aluminum heads bolted on with new ARP head bolts. I was talking to a friend of mine who's built quite a few monster engines and he said he, and everyone he knew, always ran studs with aluminum heads vs. bolts. The reasoning and theory makes sense but from what I can tell, the biggest reason for using studs vs. bolts is for removal/reassembly. (Yeah Mark, shutup). I've read all about the heating/cooling of aluminum heads, the pros of the studs, yada yada yada. What I'm wanting to know is: Who is running aluminum heads with bolts and have you had any issues? Motor will not go into the car for two more weeks so if this is a big deal, it's no problem to switch over. I have rechecked the torque on the bolts 3 times already and will do so after the first run with the new heads. I feel I'm ok as long as I properly check the torque but I want to make sure before I get another slapping. Engine is only pushing around 300hp and is not a racer. It would see 5,000-5,500 rpm very rarely.
 
I had head studs on my last engine and bolts on the new one. I agree that studs are better but I found out that to pull the heads with studs I had to remove the master cylinder. That was an additional pain in the arse on top of already pulling heads so I settled for bolts. I am glad I did since I have already had to pull the heads before even starting the car. I almost forgot, I am running aluminum heads and will have north of 500 rwhp maybe closer to 600 when all said and done.
 
"Fast68back" said:
Aluminum heads and ARP head bolts on my 347, no issues as of yet.
Click to expand...
+1. I've used head bolts on both my 302 and 351W with aluminum head and had no problems. You'll have no problems with running a set of head bolts.
 
Amazing how you knew what I'd say :ecit


Go with regular bolts, you won't need to remove those heads A N Y M O R E :pbj
 
I have ARP head bolts on my stroker with AFR's. About 28k miles and 30 or so passes at the dragstrip with no problems (knock on wood).
 
I have built a bunch of engines and feel the studs are better, but not in a street car. The good about studs is that the threads are fine on the top-side and you get better torque control when assembling the engine. Also the obvious thing is the guidance of the gasket and heads is better. That being said in most street cars it is a royal PITA to pull the heads with the engine installed.
 
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