Does everyone that run these put them in, then put the head on over top of them? Or only put a few in b/c of clearence issues?

 

You can do it either way I'd suppose, whatever is the easiest.

 

You can place the head on the block then thread in the studs on the driver's side. On the passenger's side though, you have to install the studs first, then place the head on because there isn't enough clearance to get the last bottom bolt in (with head on) due to the heater box.

 

My heads were installed after the studs were put in.

 

Put the studs all in first and then slide the gaskets and heads over. It is easy to do in the engine bay.

 

I've been told recently that the passenger side head will not clear the heater box, so I can't use the studs on my 2002. Is this correct?

 

Use masking tape around the upper part of the rear two studs on the passenger side to hold them in place and to keep them from falling through the head. Set the head in place (gasket is already down on the block). Remove the tape, start the studs (rears). Start the rest. BE PATIENT. You can't clean the holes enough, I used a piece of plastic tubing on the end of the compressor air gun to get deep into the hole.

 

Both sides are fine on my '99 - no problems at all with the heater core or anything else getting the pass head on/off with the studs installed.

Rob (Bad30th)

 

I left off the 3 studs shown missing in the picture just to gain some extra clearance. I just dropped them in after the head was in position. I think I could have done it with all of the studs on anyway. The driver side head was no issue at all.

 

nice to know it can be done in the engine bay

 

its not that hard to remove the motor. fyi