Originally Posted by Reb.B

It might have been a good idea to bottom tap before ARP and A-1 had an allen slot to but the studs down with, but now that the studs use an allen wrench to screw down, its not needed to use bottom tap. When you use an ARP 625 studs and you torque it to 160 psi, believe me you want all the metal holding the studs there as possible. I use moly or nickel anti-seize on the threads going down. I don't use much though, just a little on the course threads. Also i feal it is verrrrrrry important to lubricate the surface on the head, washer, and the nut. If you don't, it could create a false torque.