What i did was removed the TOP Left, installed arp, tightened, then removed the Bottom Right. and kept going like that until finished. 30k miles later still no problems.

 

I would re torque them after a heat cycle. Maybe that is the issue, some are not checking them after a cycle or two and re checking them.

 

awesome! ill be ordering mine soon...ill do it the same time i install my cams...

 

well how many people do the 1x1 method and never see a leak? is it a 50\50 shot or something? i mean its been a year and 12000 miles for me already.
i checked everywhere i could by feel and sight from underneath and above and so far i couldn't detect any leaks.
im keeping my fingers crossed on this one cause i really dont have money to be replacing a head gasket.
And thats the problem with these shops.. they guarantee that it'll work and when it doesn't they don't give a ****.

 

Good thread. I'm going to just pull the head when I do mine.

 

I've seen OE bolts have the very same "leak on the back of the block". It's a crap shoot either way in my opinion. However, I've seen very few leaks on the IX's.

AMS is not the only "major" name doing head studs this way... then again, any company I'm sure will be more than happy to lift the head for anyone if they have the "green" ($$$).

To the OP... if the compression test looks good, don't sweat it. If you sweat it anyway, a leak down test could be next. If that doesn't make you feel better, spend a little money on yourself for a little therapy, that might solve your car "problems" too