z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

Im ordering the final little odds and ends for my mild turbo build.

I was curious if anyone uses GM head bolts instead of studs. I would rather blow a head gasket than mess something else up. If someone would go wrong.. wastegate stick... etc... i would rather pop a head gasket than mess up the motor.

500-550rwhp is the goal on 8psi or so. Motor is going to be a complete 98 longblock with new ring, bearing, and arp rod bolts.

cjg454ss

iTrader: (27)

ah get the studs, using the head gaskets as a safety wont really work. do it once and do it right, i dont think anyone in here is running stock head bolts. most go to studs, few go to arp bolts.

slow67

iTrader: (2)

When the gasket goes, it can take out a block or a head or both. Get the studs.

camarols1

iTrader: (17)

Ditto.
It might fly on an iron setup, but aluminum heads don't care for gasket failures much.

slow67

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't even do it on iron....seen a blown head gasket take out an iron block (wore a groove between cylinders on a SBC).

black98ws6ta

iTrader: (77)

The piston is going to melt before anything else gets hurt, make sure the tune-up is nice.

1989k1500

iTrader: (23)

You'll be fine with 500rwhp. Just get the studs. IMO

EPP

iTrader: (22)

Head bolts can also pull the threads out of the block when installing them, which is another good reason to use head studs. Bob

lsxlowtech

iTrader: (32)

I have a set of pre-03 ARP head studs I will sell for 165.00 shipped to your door!! PM me if you are interested. thanks JC

TS6

iTrader: (41)

Why aren't you replacing the pistons while its apart?

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

This is a budget build bud. If the motor didn't have so many miles on it i would just run it as-is. For my power goals i dont think i need to do that. I was well above my power goals back in the day on my camaro, and it was a nitrous car. It lasted for 50k miles like that, and when i finally pulled the motor apart it still looked like new.

TS6

iTrader: (41)

Yeah but those pistons are fragile, it might be worth checking the classifieds for a nice used set. Well worth the $$$.

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

Yeah i know... just keeps snowballing though.

At first i was just like "Well i will just throw this kit on the stock motor and have some fun for a while".... then i figured that i may as well give it a quick freshen up. Then i added ARP rod bolts... then LS6 springs... etc. I know its all very worth the money, but a simple goal is turning more and more expensive.

I know that is money was no issue that pistons would be a great investment... but my goal is to just have some fun with the stock motor for a year or so... then go back and do rods and pistons and crank it up.

Lawnboy

iTrader: (54)

NA build it right , forged diamond pistons eagle H-beam rods , use your stock crank and your done > o yeah new oil pump and double roller timming chain set , SLP has a combo kit that works well
goodluck

SStolen

iTrader: (22)

I sent you a PM with the number to my tuner. He is the man and has his own dyno. He'll make sure it's right and safe. Good luck.