My car goes in on the 8th for new cams, cam gears and a new fuel pump. It'll get a fresh reflash and dyno tune later that day. My question is should I replace the head studs at the same time. Please explain why. I've heard some pretty convincing arguments on either side.

 

replace them, if you going to run high boost it's a must/safe. It's only like $60 bucks might aswell.

 

I got my cams and headstuds at the same time. its good insurance. DO IT. (my 2c)

 

Id rather have my head gasket blow rather then buy a new block.

 

+10000

 

What did I miss? If you use the headstuds, you have a better chance of blowing up your block? I haven't heard that one before. Who did it, and was it attributed to the studs only?? it there a chance of you warping your aluminum head on stock headstuds? I guess I haven't been paying attention on this one. Interesting though.

 

The typical method for doing head studs when your doing a cam install is to swap one stud at a time.. Many of us have found that its important you do the head stud swap properly or you will run into problems. Leaks and possible blown head gaskets due to improper/inconsistent torque.

My suggestion is to keep the stock studs until its "Really necessary" to replace them.

I have not done head studs, and don't intend to do them until I remove the head for whatever reason and need to replace the head gasket..

Ultimately if you run high boost, you'd likely end up pulling the head because of a leak or headgasket problem anyway regardless.. At that point I'd replace the headgasket and studs.. Remember gaskets compress, if you relieve the tension on a bolt, or alter the torque holding it down, the gasket may not compress properly making a good seal.

Some have seen leaks appear after doing head studs...

Just keep that in mind, I felt it wasn't necessary on my car until I pulled the head off.

 

I definately wouldnt do the 1x1 method eaither to risky. Do it right and pull the head

 

Thanks Jack. Makes sense.

 

Didnt say anything about the studs making your car prone to detonate, but with a stock headgasket and stud the weak point is your headgasket. If you experience true knock the headgasket will go. With the higher tensile strength of aftermarket headstuds the weak point becomes the internals. On a complete motor build, of course you should run them, as your internals are more suited to the task of detonation resistance. MalibuJacks explanation was very thorough if you do plan to go this route.

 

BTW...the car will be tuned for 91 octane and stock boost.

 

dont mess with something thats already fine.....the stockers are fine till it is completely necessary

 

Ummm head studs have nothing to do with detonation. Having head studs or not having them won't cause you to ruin your block. Worst case scenario: you run 30 PSI on a 50 trim on the stock studs, and your head floats and the stock bolts stretch. Your gasket is blown and needs replacement. Your block or head are not in destructive danger because of the weaker stock head studs.

 

You just said what I did.

 

Why would you have to buy a new block?