at how many lbs would you suggest replacing head studs

 

Definitely get them now.

 

This is very true. I am living proof that running over 25 psi on stock heads studs is not a good combo. My problem was boosting deep into 5th gear tho

Do the head studs and be safe.

 

Never skimp on things that will protect your car. I'm getting rod bolts and head studs on mine and won't be pushing over 25psi.

The parts are cheap and the labor is either free if you DIY or worth every penny if you have a shop do it.

 

There's also going way overboard for no reason, which is what it seems like in your case unless you have some other reason to remove the head.

26+psi for 3 years now on stock head bolts on a daily driven, constantly-raced Evo. Labor on rod bolts and head studs is NOT free as most people can't do it themselves, and if they do, then my guess is they are not doing it the proper way (i.e. removing the head for head studs). That is a lot of money to pay a shop for something you don't need. If the head needs to be removed for some other reason, then it would be a mistake NOT to do the swap. I will be doing mine if and when the head comes off (hasn't yet in 4 years of abuse).

OP, consider all of this input and make your decision accordingly.

 

Eh? When did he say he was going to be "in the engine"? Doing cams is not "in the engine" in terms of headstuds. You have to remove the entire head to properly install new headstuds, and installing cams does not include this.

The $99 studs are not the proper ones. Some believe those may not even be stronger than the stock bolts. The new L19s are the ones to use.

 

i agree with a couple of ppl..get them now..cause eventually you'll want to upgrade the turbo etc....i did mine when i got my 272s put in with a thicker headgasket...well i got my head meachined also..but i'd get both headstuds and injectors

 

That's a huge difference, though - your head came off. He won't be removing his head. He also has no use for injectors. Those can be added at any time.

 

It's $99 bucks. Do it.

 

The $99 ones are not that strong. Very poor advice you're giving.

 

+1^^... people seem to be doing the headstuds on a whim IMHO. I only did mine when the head came off.. not because I felt it was necessary. I'm running boost anywhere between 22-27psi only because of different fuel tunes... Anyway, doing things to get ready for upgrades are great, but why not do the things that give you instant gratification.. and without compromise of reliability.. Studs aren't it.. and with your current and future set-up, injectors can wait a bit too... and who are you going to get tuned by.. I didn't read everything, but ask your tuner for advice and why they chose to go that route... GL either way

 

If your doing cams then obviously do them.. why pay labor twice on removal of cams to install head studs do it right the first time

 

guys... head doesn't move when cams are installed...

 

Ya but you need to remove the cams to put the studs no? so why have to remove cams twice

 

If You are talking about studs.. I ask , Is there need to change main studs and rod bolts?