I have an 06 CTD with BD twins and Intercooler, I have arp head studs but am having a hard time getting them installed. Have heard from web sites, ads,and friends 50psi is safe for the new CTD with no studs. I am running it low at 42psi untill I get studs, but can I get away with a little more? Last thing I need is a blown head gaskett. (plan to run52-65psi after studs)
Also anyone have any idea what a good labor price is for install? The 2 shops I talked to want to charge me an hourly rate but cant really tell me how long it will take. Anyone know of a good shop in the Northern Virginia area? Thanks alot.

 

I don't have an answer for this, but I noticed you don't have your signature filled out. Most of us fill it out with what kind of truck we have along with mods. That way, people know exactly how to help and give advice. Just a thought.

 

I hit 60 psi daily on stock studs and gasket. I have 100k on my truck at high fuel levels. Drive pressure is more critical to heads than boost pressure.

 

Im not the brightest person so I hope this works.

 

Jusy keep it to 50 psi...and you should have no no no no worries.

 

You really oughta just get those studs installed, the whole job will only take you a few hours. I just did mine a week or so ago.

 

I would do it for insurance... I blew mine at 55psi.

 

06dmc, did you do the, start in the middle and work your way out with the head still on method?

Any tips?

 

Yikes! I've been hitting 55+ regularly for about 10k miles now. Hope mine holds 'til I get my new, little SPS62 installed.

 

Ive put studs in a gasser, just chased the threads before putting them in, is it the same concept for the cummins, or should a "professional" do it?
Basically what Im saying is, can I do this in my driveway?

 

Yep, sure did, and it went pretty smooth. Pulled first bolt, cleaned down all the way to the bottom using a hanger with a hook at end so I could attach a strip of a shop rag and just kept using a clean strip til she came out clean.
There is a lot of cutting oil down in the bottoms of some and dry as a bone in others.

I didn't use a bottoming tap as it wasn't needed, I did use arp lube but followed torque specs giv'n to me by II.

When you go to put the rocker cover back on you have to notch it as the front and back studs just barely hit it----once you see where they hit its no big deal----sounds scarier than it is.

All in all pretty easy and the piece of mind it gives you is a great feeling!!

1 more thing, right or wrong, I was told to let the engine warm up fully then pull it right back in and pull'm down hot (retorque)

Let me know if you have any other questions.