Installing head studs?

[CFreed11]

Am I going to need to drop the motor to install heads using ARP head studs? I'll be doing a head/cam swap this month.

Thanks

[techsan23]

Re: Installing head studs?

There's no need to remove the engine to tear down the top end. You might want to buy a Haynes manual if your going to do it yourself. It will give you torque specs and torque patterns. ARP will have their own specs and lubricant for the studs.

[WarShrike]

Re: Installing head studs?

Also use teflon paste (teflon thread sealant), not teflon tape for the studs when you put them in the block.

[ssms5411]

Re: Installing head studs?

Don't be surprised if your header hits the head stud after install , mine did and I had to grind the header down some so they would fit.

[WarShrike]

Re: Installing head studs?

^I think the longtubes might have been done on a mockup that had ARP studs, was kinda nice not having to deal with that.

[CFreed11]

Re: Installing head studs?

good info guys, thanks! I wasn't sure if I was going to need the extra room due to the studs instead of bolts. And I've already got the haynes manual and a buddy that has done heads/cam on 2 LS cars that will be helping out as well.

Thanks

[WarShrike]

Re: Installing head studs?

Just take your time and make sure you're sturdy. You don't want to drag the base of your heads on the studs lol!

[Hib Halverson]

Re: Installing head studs?

Am I going to need to drop the motor to install heads using ARP head studs? I'll be doing a head/cam swap this month.

Thanks

Is your engine supercharged with lots of boost and/or are you using lots of nitrous oxide?

[Meatyshells]

Re: Installing head studs?

why do you need head studs? Are stock head bolts not going to be strong enough?

If you arent boosting or using any power adders. stock head bolts will work just fine

[CFreed11]

Re: Installing head studs?

I'm hoping to ad nitrous next year. And I got a set of new head studs in a trade for some fog lights.

[Hib Halverson]

Re: Installing head studs?

My guess is that, even for some nitrous oxide, head studs are unnecessary, but since you got them in a trade....

Just know that studs make getting heads on and off much more difficult. I'd pull one head, install some of the studs then see if the head can be installed/removed with the engine in the car before I put them all in.

You may find, you can't get the heads on/off with the engine installed.

If it were me, I'd put 'em on eBay.

[WarShrike]

Re: Installing head studs?

Oh, you can install the heads with the engine in the car or without lowering the k-member for clearance. You just have to take your time and make sure you've got good spot to stand and some good arm strength to keep those heads steady. The toughest spot I had was the passenger head with the HVAC and PCM wires running right there. If you have a long zip tie, you could probably get those up and out of the way temporarily.

[CFreed11]

Re: Installing head studs?

Thanks for the pics for reference WarShrike! With 2 sets of hands, I shouldn't have too much trouble in there it looks like. I'll just take my time with it and do it right. I've still got another F-Body to drive while the SLP GT is down, so I'm not in that huge of a rush to get it done.

Thanks!

[ssms5411]

Re: Installing head studs?

When we did mine we just put in a couple of studs then put the heads on then installed the rest of them. Worked pretty well.