i'm installing arp headstuds, should i replace the head gasket or do the 1x1 method?

can someone please give me some good advice, thanks

 

Not trying to be the one to say search, but there really are ALOT of threads around on this. You will find your best advice there.

 

should replace gasket, but if not 1X1 will work. has worked for me, but there are alot of people here that it has not worked for. I installed mine myself, with no problem. Currently at 80k Miles , with 20k on the Arp's. good luck

 

Might as well replace it now. The 1x1 works, but you are already in there...

 

The 1x1 method works and it doesn't take that much time really...as long as you follow the right "x" path you should be good.

 

I've been using the 1x1 method for quite some time now with now. FWIW, I know there are a few big shops out there that are doing it this way.

 

start from the middle and work my way out right?

 

 

Until I actually lift the head with stock head fasteners I won't be bothering with head studs... JohnBradley has hit 500+ AWHP with the stock fasteners/stock block with no head lift... much can be attributed to the tune in this case as well...

 

Exactly. Stock head bolts are underrated, standard ARPs are overrated. EVO guys are way behind the DSM world on this one, anyone at a power level where it's necessary to change to studs is using L19s or A1s to make it worth their while these days.

 

^^ well i have them so i'm going to put them in they got to be better then the stock one's.

just wanted to do it the right way the first time so i think i'm just gonna change out the head gasket!

 

Well sir I commend you for taking the head off to do these!

 

There is a lot to be said for retaining the factory seal which is why I like to retain the stock head gasket and bolts for as long as possible. If you haven't blown your gasket, and the head isn't lifting, why bother doing the swap? IMO all you're doing is increasing your chance of failure.

 

+1 on that for sure

 

i do plain on going with a red soon so i just want to be safe.

would it be bad to get tuned right after installing head gasket, do you have to break it in??