hey guys i know this is a popular problem when installing head studs, I need clearance for my valve covers, so my question is, is it okay to not use the washers on just the head studs that hold the rocker arms down?? basically if i remove the washers i think i will have the clearance i need for the valve covers. is there a reason that i would have to use the washers. the old head bolts don't use washers. please let me know what you guys think.

jason

 

You need the washers to lower the friction and provide more clamping force. The washers also protect the head from being damaged by spinning the nut directly on them.

brandon.

 

oooohhhh i see, well thanks for the help, i guess i will have to dremil those valve covers after all. thanks

jason

 

definately need the washers!

if you've got access to a die grinder and a single cut aluminum burr, it'll take you about 2 minutes per valve cover... you just need to knock the ribbing down right where the nut will be. a machine shop could do it w/ a drill press and a milling bit in about 2 seconds per cover.

 

I think my head studs directions say to machine the rocker arm pedistle down something like 1/4" to make the room. I guess most people just make the room in the cover insted?

 

if you've got new ARP's, you're supposed to get the rocker pedistals machined... I don't understand why they did that... the average guy can grind his valve covers in his garage, but now they require a trip to the machine shop

I'd get the things milled so that you have proper thread engagement in the block

 

im just going to toss mine on a milling machine and cut them. But boy was I suprised! I thought they were a bolt on part

 

they should be! I've got the old style, and I think they should offer the buyer a choice of what style they want.

 

milling them isnt bad if ya got a friend with a bridgeport miller! They have a tight spec on making sure there paralell with the head so just dont take your bench grinder to them.....

 

LOL! yeah, probably wanna keep that thing square so you get proper fastener clamping load!