Just opened my ARP stud box to read the instructions, and apparently they changed the set so you don't have to mill the webs out of the valve covers... the downside is you have to mill the rocker pedestals to get that clearance. Oh well. Wish I had a Bridgeport in my garage!
Weather and work permitting I am ripping the head tomorrow afternoon!

 

ARPs have called for milling the pedestal for years now...

 

I did not know that.

 

I have heard from several people that have used them that you can get the clearance you need from removing the webbing on the valve cover. i however have only heard it not seen it.

 

a1 studs are the studs that you have to grind the webbing. I didn't even know ARP were like that, ever. Learn something new everyday I guess.

 

Personally I'd rather mill the casting off the cover, then my pedestals. This is good info...since it will probably help me determine who's product I want to use when I eventually get around to doing this job.

 

I would agree with you if it weren't for the thread engagement issue. ARP's are designed for a specific thread depth. I don't think I want to mess with that.

 

On my 95 we milled the valve covers and installed them without washers and they cleared. On my 89, I paid $80, and did it right. Both held up pretty well.

 

I'm shipping a valve cover to a guy with a 4BT who, on the advice of others, ground all of the webbings on one valve cover, clear through the top and it still wouldn't clear the ARP studs.
He checked all of the rest, no dice.

He's milling the rocker stands to compensate.

I forget the brand, but there are supposedly studs and nuts that will clear with the stock rocker covers.

IMO, milling the rocker stands isn't THAT big of a deal and it's really not the stud designer's fault that Cummins made tolerances too close for a simple flared nut.

Mark.