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I'm on board with this thought process most of the time. With that said I think I'm going to select a 10:1 combo and see what happens. I like how well the Athena style gaskets seal but I don't want to deal with shaving the head down every or every other time the head comes off. 1/2" studs seems like a good idea but you need to align hone the block after and that's more $$ too. What do the aged studs go for? $1000? I read they have a higher clamping force than the 1/2" studs. So depending on your machine shop rates it could be cheaper to go with the aged studs.
With that said the question is which is more effective on a stock casting? As we all know they like to lift in the center anyways. Maybe it is a waste of time on stock heads but I like seeing what they can take.
But price does seem to vary wildly with different sellers and at different times...and a listing doesnt mean they actually have stock.
I tried a couple of years ago to buy them from 2 different sources, and even after waiting months, neither were able to supply so I gave up.
Instructions for the 625's say 100lbft, so if the 1/2's can go to 110-115...you could assume they would be better.
The thread on YB etc says Ford Cleveland ARP 1/2" studs can fit an LS ( they're a little long, but they fit ) and are very cheap. But yea they require machining.
Line boring too ? Not sure I'd say that is essential ?
Other more expensive option is LS9 block, stronger material, pinned billet caps ?, oil squirters and M12 head fasteners from the factory. Sounds like a real solid base to start from, even better if they could be had second hand for sensible money
But price does seem to vary wildly with different sellers and at different times...and a listing doesnt mean they actually have stock.
I tried a couple of years ago to buy them from 2 different sources, and even after waiting months, neither were able to supply so I gave up.
Instructions for the 625's say 100lbft, so if the 1/2's can go to 110-115...you could assume they would be better.
The thread on YB etc says Ford Cleveland ARP 1/2" studs can fit an LS ( they're a little long, but they fit ) and are very cheap. But yea they require machining.
Line boring too ? Not sure I'd say that is essential ?
Other more expensive option is LS9 block, stronger material, pinned billet caps ?, oil squirters and M12 head fasteners from the factory. Sounds like a real solid base to start from, even better if they could be had second hand for sensible money
I've seen the 625's for under $700. Friend got a set not too long ago for a rowdy 5.3 build with the fancy o-ring gaskets, 625 studs, and some other cool stuff.
I did a half-fill of hardblok on my LS2 block, and pinned the main caps. Everything is working great so far, but I haven't really leaned on it yet (only 8.82 @ 155mph, 3500lbs, 23 psi). Coolant temps went down because the water isn't pulling heat out of the lower end. I added an oil cooler and oil temp sensor in the pan in fear of the oil overheating. Oil only gets to 150-180* on a long drive. Setrab smallish cooler.
You half filled the block and your coolant temps dropped? That's crazy.
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