Hey guys, I am trying to find a shop around me LA, OC area that will install my ARP head studs with out over charging me. I know that they are easy to install but I don’t have the time myself and I don’t feel comfortable opening my engine. I have a friend who can do them but I don’t want him to as he installed my turbo kit. However, he will be my last resort. I called couple shops but they seem weird I mean XS engineering wants 7 hrs of labor they want to move my cams as well?? SP engineering want 12 hrs of labor?? Am I hearing these numbers right or wrong?? 12 hrs$@#$#$@%. The thread here on EVOM is clear and it says no more than 2 hrs max. Please help me as I need to get done with this ASAP.


Thanks

 

I think the '2 hrs max' number that you quote is for the timing of installing the head bolts the bastardized way....ie, remove one oem bolt, install one arp bolt, remove one more oem bolt, install one more ARP bolt.

The proper/ traditional method of installing the head bolts requires the mechanic to remove all head bolts, then install all the new ARP bolts, following the proper install/torquing pattern to assure the head is not stressed during the install.

But none the less, I am not sure that it is an 8 hour job to install head bolts.

 

It seems these guys are over quoting you but on the other hand it sounds like they want to remove the whole head. Many shops can replace the headstuds without pulling the head. This has been a point of controversy for a while on whether it was safe to do this but from what I gather it is fine to do it this way. I dont know of many shops, but RNR(not sure how far El Cajon is from you) can do it for a good price.

 

is it not bad to do this without replacing the headgasket??

 

so these steps on EVOM are worthless?

 

I am going to get a new headgasket. the 12~8 hrs job does not sound right to my ears thats all?

 

Supposedly the head gaskets used on the Evos are pretty tough and on a low mileage motor it doesnt need to be replaced even though I would recommend to. Also depends on whether you have been babying it or going ***** out all the time. Yea, the 8-12 hour thing sounds like a clutch change.

 

It's just better practice to remove the head and put a new gasket in. I would not recommend that one bolt at a time method at all.

 

Exactly so does it really take that long? or there is a shop around here that will do them for cheaper?? Turbotrix told me that they are very easy to replace. and the cost is no where close to even $300.

 

it seems that if I have to do it this way then I will have to open my pocket and get cams and cam gears as well since we are already in the head am i right?

thanks

 

Get a good pocket port & valve job while you have the head off since you've got your wallet out! I would even consider getting 1mm over sized intake valves as well.

 

TECHNOSQUARE, Inc., 22521 S.Normandie Ave., Torrance 90501 (310) 787-0847 Tadashi, Howard, Danny or Ritchi 794 a1

They can do this stuff in their sleep.

 

lol u think u funny

 

If you can change your oil, you can change your head bolts. I called buschur racing and they said to change each bolt one at a time. They also said theres no reason to take the head off a low mileage engine just to change the bolts. RNR racing in San Diego charged my friend $50 bucks to change his...

 

Yea, to do it the "right" way it will take a day. And it's not worth the cost and time to do it the "right" way unless you have the money to do a port/polish/valves.