formulabrandon

Hey im in the process of building my lt1, im going 383 with forged eagle crank hbeam rods and mahle fully coated pistons. im also going with eagle 4bolt mains and arp studs. i wnt to go with arp head studs but the machine shop said i should go bolts. the reason they gave me was possible clearance problems and said they leak has anyone had problems with the studs?

Tony Shepherd

iTrader: (4)

Depending on your power goals stay with the bolts if you can. Studs leak on LT1's if not sealed properly. Do a search and you will see. I run studs but I have to with the power I have.

Elliott's94Z

iTrader: (12)

I'm running the ARP bolts with my LE2 set up. Stick to the bolts as mentioned.

2XR95Z28

iTrader: (4)

Bolts here also, Much easier and less chance of leaking...

FlamingChicken

iTrader: (2)

although i do agree stay with the bolts i dont understand why people cant get studs to seal. sealant on the stud and screw it in until it seats flush with the "shoulder". im assuming people do the finger tight method and some dont quite seat. granted i only have about 1k miles on motor but i have no seeping or leaking issues.

Tony Shepherd

iTrader: (4)

It is hit and miss. Some leak.........some don't. My last engine we tried everything in the book and it would only seal up with some NASA grade aviation stuff.

strokin93z

iTrader: (1)

Not to highjack in any way, but what is the threshold on bolts? When is studs necessary over bolts? Just wondering because i am still in debate between buying them.

Tony Shepherd

iTrader: (4)

Just a guess here but I would say anything over 600rwhp would need studs.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Studs here, 25,000 miles with them on my daily driver. All my engines have head studs, never had leaks. Use this stuff, nice and sticky:

texas94z

Thank you much sir. I had the same question and you convinced me to go studs.

Where can you find that sealer??

Jditlfm

iTrader: (26)

When your blockwas bored did they use the studs on the torque plates? Or did they use bolts?

1994Z28Lt1

iTrader: (1)

From what i've always been told ^^^^^ this is key

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

My block’s never been out of the car, let alone bored with a plate.

Studs allow you to make up the torque using fine threads with proper lube on them to get a more accurate torque reading. It’s better than getting your torque level from coarse threads coated with sealant into the block.

Installed correctly with good sealant on the block end there’s no reason studs should leak.

You should all get the book, "Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook" and live by it.