The stock engine has head bolts. So, you wouldn't be replacing studs. And, it seems Mitsu is still using the stretchy bolts. So, I'd say that head studs (and I asume you mean ARP hardware) on stock boost won't make a lot of difference. However, the urge to try a little more boost is more than most people can resist. Then, having studs could save having to do the HG later on.

 

I think you got your answers above.. +1000 sonicnofadz / malibujack.. and just to let you know.. I bought the headstuds and a new Gasket, but have yet to replace due to their exact reasons.. running 22psi on stock studs / gasket / 272's / 93oct. with zero issues.. gl

 

I would like to know. Going for meth. next week and really dont want to change the studs. Malibujacks explanation is what i was thinking. Dont want to change the studs without pulling the head off and replacing the HG.

 

you will brake the piston first before anything happens.........
thats what happend to me..........
i was pushing like 370whp for a year......and i broke the #1 piston in half due to too much stress and load shock ...........4g63 weakest parts are piston...................so watch out yall whos pushing this amount of power............,,,it doesnt take too much to blow the engine

so my point is dont waste ur money and time for head studs...........do the engine work...!

 

Nope, track guys stretch the stock studs all the time, at least here in California. Me being one of them. 25psi on stock turbo.

Motor was fine, studs where not. You either had a defective piston or a bad / too aggressive tune.

 

Bryan...think this would be a good time to add an MBC and have Mike bring the boost up or is that a bad idea for just a pump tune?

 

A MBC will give you much more reliable boost and hold a bit more boost up top, even with it set at stock boost levels. Mike will probably tell you the same.

 

I was actually wondering this myself. I am in pretty much the same situation. I have ARPs, and cams to go in this week, and an appointment with Turbotrix the 9th for a tune. I also was going to do the "one at a time" method", but after reading Malibujacks post, its makes sense not to. So should I do the same? Just set them aside until I really need to put them in for whatever reason?

 

I'm thinking that's what I'll do. If I'm understanding things correctly replacing the head studs without doing the head gasket at the same time essentially makes the stock head gasket the weakest link. I think leaving "well enough" alone might be the way to go for me until I've upgraded the turbo, the boost and the injectors.

 

If this is your intent, don't waste your time and money on studs. However if alky is nawin at the back of your brain and you may pull the trigger for some more boost punishment, do the studs while the valve cover is off and cams are goin in. The worst I have seen posted is mild oil leaks from 1X1 stud replacement. Personally, stroker is in my future and I'm not runnin alky yet so I don't see changeing studs till my rebuild.

My o2

 

If your going to have the timing belt off for cams, might as well throw in studs. its $80 that will go along ways, down the raod when you decide to up the boost. Plus the stock head bolts are a one time use only item, as they strech to torque.

 

the facts are simple;

There are no real cases of anyone having issues with stock head bolts, 1 guy claims to have had an issue but i don't buy it.

Loosening the stock bolts WILL degrade the integrety of the headgasket seal. You may end up with an oil/coolant leak.

Unless you plan on running 28+ psi i would not recomend ARP studs, UNLESS u replace the head gasket during the install.

I personally upgraded to ARP studs, and i had no reason. I just took the advice on the forum here and bought them. I installed them exactly too the book, (used moly lube, loosened and tightened 5 times, retorqued after a couple heat cycles, etc) and i ended up with a leaky headgasket.

After removing the head to replace the gasket i would say it's not worth the risk unless u truly are highly modified and need the studs.


my .02

TJ

 

Did you re-use your head gasket? The OE HG is a multi layer piece that is not meant to be reused, yes many people do it, but it is not designed for it. It is supposed to compress a little to make a tight seal. once compressed it will not do it again.

 

You don't buy it? What's not to buy? Car would pressurize coolant system on boost, fill up the overflow. Overheat on boost. Fine off boost. Pulled the head. Head gasket intact. Took out the stock studs, put ARPs in, fine.

Happened to two other track guys here.

No real cases? Maybe in your head. My checkbook says otherwise.

 

hey.,,,my car was tune by al.,,,and it was street tune.........and the tuneing was perfect ,,,its just that we have weak piston., go talk to any professional evo tuner or evo enigne builder................they know it too that we have weak stock piston.,.,,,it donest matter how good tune u have ,.,,,,the piston just brakes due to too much stress .....its a fact.......guys!~ i didnt have any headstuds problem whatsoever............