VTESPEED

iTrader: (12)

there are a few good race machine shops in this town and I think one of them could handle the job. Id like to upgrade to 1/2" head studs in the block.

what is the easiest way to go about doing this?

The Juggernaut

iTrader: (7)

I got a price of about 800.00
350.00 ish for the studs, block has to be drilled and tapped, heads have to be drilled.

Bryan@LME

iTrader: (4)

LME does this to many engines. We charge 250 for the machine work and 230 for the studs.

We would be happy to help you out.

Thanks,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505

Elite_Hot_Rod

$480.00 is a great price, whose studs do you use? Can you tell me how much the clamping force is increased by going from a 5/16" stud to a 1/2" stud.

Bryan@LME

iTrader: (4)

We use ARP head studs. I'm not sure on the exact increase in clamping force in psi. However the standard LS1 dia. ARP stud torques to 70 ft. lbs. and the 1/2" ARP studs torques to 95-100 ft. lbs. So your gaining aprox. 40% more clamping force.

Bryan

VTESPEED

iTrader: (12)

Can you do this to an existing shortblock or does it have to be bareblock??

Also how much is it to drill the heads to 1/2"? or is that included

liftin'em on nittos

iTrader: (2)

i talked to my engine builder yesterday about the 1/2" studs with the thicker deck of the heads i'm using and he said he's seen more people have problems with them than not. with the right head gasket, tune, and head he says there shouldn't be a problem.

Bryan@LME

iTrader: (4)

What problems have they seen? We have seen only good results. With out a doubt the 1/2" stud provides increased clamping force. The four bolts holes per cyl. seems to be one of the weakest links in the LS1 engine. Anything to help this out is beneficial in my opinion. Although many head gasket issues can be linked to an improper tune up.

liftin'em on nittos

iTrader: (2)

i'll email him and get what he types and copy paste it. basically most of his agruement was the tune in the car. my motor is getting cometic gaskets, standard studs, and 300-400 shot.

tomulrich

iTrader: (2)

You can also use MP-35 head studs from A1 Technologies. They have a clamping force of 270,000 psi......no machining required. Only downfall....they cost $1000.00 for the set

Tom

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I would not do it personally.

Elite_Hot_Rod

John I see in your sig that you have an 8:1 motor you shouldn't need them, some of us with 12:1 + motors may have to use the larger studs to keep the heads down.

liftin'em on nittos

iTrader: (2)

elite, if you had a decent tune in your car you might not have to worry about lifting the heads.

99SS-T

iTrader: (5)

the only thing that cuses heads to lift is 5000 hp and detonation. And i dont think many of yall are making 5k lol. Head studs work great adn 99% of people here jsut do that. If you plan on makin a TON of power then maybe. But its money beter spent elsseweher most of the time. GL


John