The head studs have been installed on my 12v they are arp. But unlike others i have seen the threads run all the way to the bottom instead of that nipple. when tourqued down the nut was a thread or so above the stud and it was all the way bottomed out. The valve cover hit the nut. so on the rocker pedestals we removed the washer. It seem to clear and snug down. we will see.

But by removing the washers do i lose any of the clamping ability. Somone needs to make a taller valve cover

 

Most guys clearance the inside of the valve cover with a die grinder, at least thats what I did, and I was still able to use the washer.

 

ive been missing a washer for about 9-10 mos and hasnt affected anything. I dont think it hurts much on the rockers.

 

The washers are there to help keep the head from galling. With stock bolts, my new head had circles each place a bolt head seated.

bradnon.

 

I dont see any problems running with out a washer. BTW did you get your head o-ringed/ fire ringed? Or did you just go with a .020 gasket and studs. I want to run a set up like taht to keep everything in but rings are a bit over kill for my set up.

 

Brandon,
Do you think it will be threatening to run without the washer on the rocker. theres not any indentions and the actual nut has plenty of bite on the rockers, ive checked the torque on mine several times and its still the same. BTW hows your truck coming along

 

I just put on an marine gasket and the studs. Brian block said that a reliable 50 psi could be had out of this setup day in/out without worring about it and I trust him.

 

Luke, I don't think it will be a problem, but I'm not qualified to say one way or the other. I do know that if you remove/install them too many times, but rocker pedestal will wear around that nut. I'm just not sure of all the ramifications of running without the washer. I figure they serve some purpose since they're included with the kit.

bradnon.

 

The valve cover is supposed to sit flat with no gasket. You can attain this just by removing the washer? I'd get out the die grinder or take the rocker covers to a machine shop and make some room. Pics of my ground covers in my gallery.