I'd like to install a set of head studs on my engine without removing the head. Will the studs help even if I don't change the headgasket, I would think it would help but how much? What kind of boost do you think the headgasket will safely hold if I upgrade to studs? Sometime in the future I'm going to do my head but for now I'd like to just do the studs.

CRIS

 

Guy's install the studs with out changing the gasket just do one stud at a time. Myself i would wait and do the head gasket and the studs at the same time. Are you going to run a marine head gasket?

 

I'm going to do what ever all of you think is best. So far I've done it that way and everything has gone great I don't really want to wait for head work because I'd like to find a head and have it done so I won't have any down time. What about boost #s with just studs?

CRIS

 

I've heard of people doing 50 with stock bolts and gasket. Just be sure everything's torqued down properly and evenly.

 

Thanks Guys

Does anyone know a good safe boost # to go with if I do the studs?

CRIS

 

Chris, I go to 65lbs all the time with just studs. Always ensure your engine is fully warmed up before you build much over 15lbs and torque the studs properly with a good wrench. 12V engines might be slightly different but my 24v has been living with this boost for 1.5 years. Tim

 

Tim

You know why I'm asking this question don't you I've got my eyes on a twin setup in VA, would you know anything about those twins?

N.C. dyno+drags

CRIS

 

Somebody has the bombing bug! TWINS

 

Chris, I might know where you can get some. I got 5 sets going together at this time. My new ones are almost done. Give me a call when you get time we will talk about it. Tim

 

Tim

We are going to have to do my tranny first, I don't think its going to last the way I'm driving it I'll get up with you after the New Year.

Dennis got some great pictures of your lights in Waynes Dyno room, did wayne turn off the lights in his shop after I left? It looked mighty dark in there the shop when your truck was in there

CRIS

 

Probably better to do those studs sooner rather than later. I found out the hard way and my truck was down for a week. I put the new studs in 10 days later and just did them one at a time. Getting to the back studs is a pain when you want to re-torque while hot, but they're worth it. Anything is better than the stretchy stock bolts. 20psi of boost... what was Cummins thinking?

brandon.

 

Where is a good place to get studs and how much do they usually run?

Thanks

 

www.f1diesel.com

They have the ARP suds which I hear are the best but they are spendy; somewhere around 450-500 I think.

 

I believe ARP's are your best choice...and your only option. They are the only bolts you can install without removing the head...unless this has changed?
RJ

 

PDR sales them as well