Studs on lower intake to heads

[885.0conv]

I keep having the problem with running lean. From what I can tell the intake bolts keep loosening up which I read is normal. The problem is when I go to retighten them I get one or two that spin and will not tighten. After looking at the threads I see that the bolt is not engaging the thread on heads. Its like the threads on the head are helicoiled in (which it might have been I bought them used) and then come out after trying to tighten the bolts. I was wondering if I would run into any problems using studs in the heads and then just use flange nuts on the lower intake to secure it.

 

[vristang]

Studs are great... I use them on the lower intake/head... no issues...

 

[Tanus]

I use studs whenever possible, can get them tighter and with much less chance of stripping threads. you wanna runs the stud all the way down, I use red rtv on threads

 

[skip nay]

Try the studs. If not you could also go one bolt size higher and get them retapped.

 

[Tanus]

if you ever have heads off Id recommend getting them helicoiled. when I first bought mine I took um to the machine shop and had all the bolt holes h.c.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Studs make lowering the lower intake down VERY easy. Always get a good seal every time.

 

[885.0conv]

Any ideas on which set. The heads have 5/16 x 18 on them. I was looking at ARP 354-2103 but they don't say what size the threads are.

 

[Tanus]

just go to ace and buy 3 feet of all thread and some nuts, cut to fit.

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

just go to ace and buy 3 feet of all thread and some nuts, cut to fit.

This is definitely the way to go. Intake bolts only get something like 16 lb. ft. of torque anyhow, so you wouldn't overtorque some plain ol' grade 5 rod. I used stainless bolts on my lower intake and didn't overtorque and strip threads off of them.

 

[885.0conv]

Thanks again, that is probably cheaper too.