01wss6

iTrader: (4)

How often do stock head bolts break when removing for a head swap? Also is there anything to do to make sure they don't break in the block?

splitfinger09

iTrader: (9)

I dont think they break very often. I had no problems pulling my stock bolts. I would go with studs with your new heads. I feel that studs are far superior to bolts. Much easier on the threads and also you dont have to worry about cracking your block if you have a little coolant left in your block.

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

Ive taken about 7 pairs off of engines, one pair a couple hours ago. I havent had one break yet and ive had some tough ones.

Studs are much better than bolts but ive always at least upgraded to arp bolts. They are reusable and I hate the idea of stretching a bolt.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

I've noticed that the head bolts are like any other bolts...if you crank on the same one it will be more likely to break...that's why I like to "reverse torque" the headbolts by loosening them in the reverse order of the headbolt order you use to put the heads on. I also do the loosening in a couple stages which puts less stress on the bolts and makes them less likely to break. I know people that just crank them off with a 1/2 inch impact in no particular order, but I like to be safe. I usually use a junk torque wrench for the initial cracking loose of each bolt, and then I use the 3/8 impact (less torque then the 1/2 in) and loosen them in 2 stages starting from the outside and working my way in. Some of my friends say it is not needed, but I can't afford to break a bolt and cause more $/work. Also the few engines I have worked on have been aluminum LS engine blocks, which in my eye makes it even more sketchy as far as breaking a head bolt and causing the need for the use of some unsavory methods lol. If it was an iron block I wouldn't be as concerned. Also another trick I like to use if I feel a bolt getting tight when loosening, I will tighten it back into the hole a Couple turns to hopefully "unbind" the bolt. Everybody does it a lil bit different, but I hoped I at least helped out a little. By sharing my experience.

joecar

There is a GM Tech Bulletin that says you have to first hit the bolt heads with a hammer/drift to "unfreeze/unjam" the threads before attempting to loosen the bolts.

USMC5811

iTrader: (2)

^^^ havent heard of that before and never had an issue removing the bolts, just dont strip them!

MikeFSKSpeed

iTrader: (37)

Never had any issues with them breaking while removing. We always upgrade to ARP in our shop though, be it studs or bolts

01wss6

iTrader: (4)

Thanks everyone for the info just wasn't sure if the bolts breaking were a common problem.