Hey, I was just wondering if anyone could fill me in on the "correct" way to install head studs into an evo.

I once heard from an old wise engine builder, that the only way to install (more or less) any kind of studs in a block, you would have to obviously clean the threads and such. completely instal them in the block for the most strength and due to how the bolt holes are almost never perfectly straight you wont be able to set the head down on the block. So he said that you may have to drill out the holes in the head/ main caps and such so that they can fit down over the studs. I can understand why this would need to be done but i think it could be bad news if there is something like a coolant passage too close to where the bolts go through the head. obvioulsy bad.

Ive also heard for people on this forum say that all you have to do is pull out one bolt from the head, screw in the stud, nut and washer torque and move on to the next one. honestly sounds like a half *** way of being able to say you have head studs.

Apriceate any help.
Later
DJ

 

Dj,

The most correct way to do this is to pull the head off, install all of the studs with the supplied moly lube and reinstall the head to the recommended torque by ARP.

Some do the 1x1 replacement. I dont really recommend this even though many have had good success with it.

If you are going to do this soon, let me know. I will give you a hand. It will be a good time to get a new/stronger head gasket on it for your soon to come power.

 

that is the point of my asking,
do you know if anyone had issues with the head not fitting over the studs????
later
DJ

 

I have not heard of it, although it is very well possible. I have done numerous head gasket installs on dsm's and a few less on evo's and have never had any issues with ARP head studs.

 

I did 1x1, an ive been going strong 40k miles at 30psi on a 35r

take it for a grain of salt

 

How many people have actually streched the stock headstuds?

 

technicaly everyone has, they're torque to yeild bolts. though i see they can be reused if they arent streched too far.

Later
DJ

 

Back in the days of the carburator ruling all, headstuds were probably not designed for specific vehicle applications. In this day and age, however, you should never have to do any modification to the head to make them fit.

Cleaning out the threads, or at least blowing them out with compressed air before installing the studs is a very wise suggestion, as all the crud, oil, and whatnot works it's way to the bottom of those holes creating the possibility of the studs not fully seating.