Can people install head studs w/o removing the head? I was just curious. My boost hits 42 instantly, and I could have sworn the gauge went to like 44 psi recently. I tried to make it go above 42 again while staring at the gauge, but I could not get it to go above 42. I may have misread it in my quick glance, but I am not sure.

If it is something I can do by removing the valve cover only, that would be cool insurance for peace of mind.

Thanx.

 

Suposively the head gasket will hold until 49 psi I have hit it quite often at WOT runs with the new turbo so I am probably testing fate but I believe Cquestad never had his blow in 100K miles of use with the aurora..

Shane

 

That is good to hear. A turbo upgrade is definetly on my wish list, have fun with that 5K.

Thanx.

 

Yes, you can install headstuds without removing the head. You have to do it one at a time and remove the upper and lower valve cover and the exhaust rockers I believe. I think that the lower valve cover at the back has to be clearenced for one of the studs.

 

Cleared for studs, that is interesting.

Thanx.

 

If I remember correctly from talking with cquestad one of the stude is removed through a hole that has to be removed from the air dam around the windshield wipers? If I remember correctly.. It's one of the back ones

Shane

I am having fun with the A5k!!! Just taking it easy so I don't grenade anything!!

I will probably do a write up when I install mine but that's about a month or so out!!

 

Yes, that is correct luvnnacumns. Once the two valve covers are removed, in the cowl toward the center of the windshield up underneith there is a rubber grommet that has to be removed in order to remove the old head bolts and to install the new head studs. You should find it pretty easily once you look for it with the valve covers off (kind of hard to find with them on).

 

Yep I was sure that was what he told me!!!

 

If you dont clearance the lower valve cover you need to bottom tap the block (I cant remember if it is for one or more studs). That is the route I will go, I figure if ARP didnt intend for you to bottom tap the block, they would have made the stud(s) shorter.

 

So is it possible to bottom tap with the head on?

 

i changed out one at a time, didnt bottom tap, didnt have any problems getting back bolts out either. very easy to do!

 

how well do you like your a5k charger?
the local guy said it would take 10 hours to install the studs without taking the head off. he did it just like you said one at a time.

 

10 hours???? I think he took more than a few beer breaks!!!

 

Just out of curiosity, how much boost can a studded, stock gasketed 5.9 take?

Thanx.

 

60ish psi depending on who you ask and what turbo configuration you are runnin.

FWIW, a local diesel guy here charges 325-350 to stud a truck, so I doubt it is a 10 hour job.