I'm getting ready to start putting my top end back together, I was thinking of going studs. What are the pros or cons? BTW, I am running boost, 10lbs or so, a small shot of nitrous, TFS heads.
ARP studs are the way to go. Summit has them cheap for every application.
Be sure to note the "extreme" torque levels of the studs compared to the bolts. BTW they don't stretch either and can be reused. Get the metal head gaskets too. Worth the money and nothing will ever lift on you under boost.
Check with others on your specific valve covers to make sure they won't hit. Sometimes one has to gouge out a spot here or there due to the higher stud sticking up is all to get them to seat tight.
10psi....hmmmmmm....did you lower the compression at all? I'm conservative is all.
pro's are you get full engement in the head, much stronger than bolts. With the aformentioned head gaskets you'll get a more reliable combustion chamber seal.
Check with others on your specific valve covers to make sure they won't hit. Sometimes one has to gouge out a spot here or there due to the higher stud sticking up is all to get them to seat tight.
10psi....hmmmmmm....did you lower the compression at all? I'm conservative is all.
Clearance is what I'm afraid of, I'm running some pretty tall covers. Not so sure about gouging them out, they are carbon fiber. 9:1 compression, 42# injectors, fuel rails, AFPR, in tank fuel pump upgrade w/T-Rex, new water pump, alum rad, and a decent tune.
WTF? Clearance problems with valve covers? I don't even see how that would be possable,your rockers would be smacking them first.
Lems,the studs are better as they engauge the threads in the block better,and also don't twist as much when being torque (there by "loosing" torque).Head studs DO stetch.Do NOT over tighten them by more than %20 percent MAX torque value (listed on box or data sheet) otherwise they will be streched to the point they will no longer hold propr torque.
Use the ARP moly lube,not 30wt oil for best results.