head studs vs. head bolts

[Camaro Dom]

i've heard from several different people including an old auto shop teacher that "head bolts are an accountant's decision; studs are an engineers decision"... why are studs better than bolts? isnt a fastener a fastener?

[slow6]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

i've been wanting ARP's studs for a long time, cause I keep taking off my heads. BUT, I've been told that if I had studs, there would be no way I could put my heads on with the hood cowl in the way.
I might want to get a power saw... would be alot of fun for me

[UDLOSE98]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

i did studs and it is possible tho it really really sucks. you have to put your head on first, find the pins that lock it in, then put all of your studs in, then the nuts on top. Had quite a few problems threading some of them with the MLS gasket in place.

[WickEdSix9838]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

Studs are better. You can get a better and more even torque because you're not dragging the threads as bad as a bolt. They also help preserve the life of the threads in the block better.

[viper98885]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

80% more clamping force. No need to buy any more head bolt sets. Easier to install/remove heads. I like them on my 3.4L V6 a lot.

[slow6]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

80% more clamping force.

how is it gonna have more clamping force when youre torqueing it down the same amount as regular bolts?

[viper98885]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

This is a pretty good link with some technical insight:
http://www.arp-bolts.com/Catalog/Cat...atalog036.html

[slow6]

Re: head studs vs. head bolts

i bet you torque them more