Reinstalling heads...ARP bolts worth it?

[1Slow90coupe]

Reinstalling heads after blown head gasket. Should I reuse stock bolts or spring for the ARP's?

 

[dwhiskie]

ARP no doubt

 

[vikingpower]

Absolutely, they're only $40
Especially important since you got nitrous!

 

[giddyup306]

If it were a stock motor I'd say stick with the stock bolts. But a 12 second 302 has more cylinder pressure than a stocker.

 

[1Slow90coupe]

Also what do you think of buying the head stud kit? I know it makes it easier to reinstall them. Is there any other advantage?

 

[giddyup306]

They're stronger. I dunno how much I paid for them exactlly but I paid over $100 for them.

 

[1Slow90coupe]

I am going to atleast get the head bolts. Thinking of the stud kit?

 

[Hickfied]

You can't reuse the stockers, they are tourqe to yield bolts.... I'd go with ARP.

 

[86bluecobra]

buy the arp's.

 

[04sleeper]

I am going to atleast get the head bolts. Thinking of the stud kit?

Stud kits are stronger and give better torque yeilds compared to bolts.

I like to use them because you are torquing nuts on top of the head with brand new threads VS torquing bolts into an old block.

If you do use bolts I HIGHLY recommend buying a tap and chase and clean the bolt holes thoroughly. I also believe in using ARP lube on the new bolts.

 

[sloo50]

ARP all the way!

 

[1Slow90coupe]

Stud kits are stronger and give better torque yeilds compared to bolts.

I like to use them because you are torquing nuts on top of the head with brand new threads VS torquing bolts into an old block.

If you do use bolts I HIGHLY recommend buying a tap and chase and clean the bolt holes thoroughly. I also believe in using ARP lube on the new bolts.

That is kinda what I thought. Thanks for the info. Stud kit it is then.

 

[88stangmangt]

you cant go wrong with studs...i got a set for my motor...........as stated they distribute torque more evenly..and if your in a rush or a bind you dont have to worry about striping out the block...you may laugh....but when doing in car head swaps it happens...

 

[TheUser]

also pick up some arp thread sealer while you're at it. At 10 bucks or so, you can't beat it and it will last you a long time. My ARP studs for the GT were like $105 or so.

 

[Aliate X]

Stud kits are stronger and give better torque yeilds compared to bolts.

I like to use them because you are torquing nuts on top of the head with brand new threads VS torquing bolts into an old block.

If you do use bolts I HIGHLY recommend buying a tap and chase and clean the bolt holes thoroughly. I also believe in using ARP lube on the new bolts.

Whats a chase? I have a tap and die set. Im in the process of my h/c/i swap as well and I purchased the ARP head stud kit.

 

[04sleeper]

Whats a chase? I have a tap and die set. Im in the process of my h/c/i swap as well and I purchased the ARP head stud kit.

You chase the threads out with the tap. Since you are not really tapping the block, you are just "Chasing, ie. cleaning" the threads.

 

[maverick0716]

When I put on my Edelbrocks, I used ARP head bolts with moly lube. Wouldn't do it any other way.

 

[1Slow90coupe]

What is the difference between the assembly lube and the thread sealer? I would like some tips for installing the studs in the block. How to not F&%$ it up would be nice.

 

[maverick0716]

What is the difference between the assembly lube and the thread sealer? I would like some tips for installing the studs in the block. How to not F&%$ it up would be nice.

You use the thread sealer for the bolts that go into the water passages. It basically works the same as the moly lube, but it seals the threads.

 

[RYC CUKR]

What is the difference between the assembly lube and the thread sealer? I would like some tips for installing the studs in the block. How to not F&%$ it up would be nice.

The lower bolts on the head run into the water jackets. Use thread sealer on these and assembly lube on the other bolts.