I talked to a very reputable machanic in my area and we where discussing head studs for my truck. I am on the fence on wether or not I want to do it myself or pay him to do it.

Anyway he said if I (or he) retorques the factory bolts to 135ftlbs that I could get away with A LOT and he didnt think I would blow the factory gasket on a common rail with a single charger. He said it is possible (as I guess anything is) but very unlikely and he could retorque them for 250 or so which slightly cheaper than intalling studs cause he doesnt have to modify the stock valvecover plus I dont have cost of the studs n there.

I know some will say to go ahead and install the ARPs while I am there and I agree to some extent and apreciate the info but on the other hand I could spend 250 as aposed to 350 (give or take) in labor plus, last time I checked, stud were in the 450 range.

So enough rambleing

What do yall think???

TIA

 

I would not try to torque the stock bolts to 135 ft lbs. You may be extracting a broken off bolt. Not something you would want to try. OPoole has them for $425. Installing studs is a good job and you need a good torque wrench that's good for 25-250 ft. lbs. Notching the lower rocker box is easy with a dremal tool. Get some old pillows and blankets to lay on and take your time. You may want to adjust your rockers while you have your valve cover off. Adds About 30 mins.

 

Thanks for the advise Billy.

Something, else I ment to ask is what is a "safe" level of boost with the 12mm ARPs and a stock gasket with out rings, just studs?

 

wap, what turbo are you running?

 

Ive hit 60PSI with my studs on the stock gasket and its still doing fine.

 

yeah, but I think your on borrowed time with stock bolts and gasket

 

Stock bolts to 135 . red flag . There not designed for that torque. Go with the studs . And theres quite abit to learn about torqueing them properly.

 

I am not worried about the mechanic doin the work, I know for a fact he is one of the better ones out there, his record speaks for itself.

WUnderwood, acook is not runnin stock studs.

My turbo is stock but I am gonna get a 62mm pretty soon and I imagine I will step up to a bigger turbo one day or twins if I got the $. But my stock studs, gasket and turbo have seen 50+ once or twice so I am hopin with studs 50 should be no problem.