Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

I have stock head bolts on my 402. And i just bought arp head studs. could i replace a bolt after i take one out? and would my gaskets be alright. and do i use stock torque pattern and specs?

Dave88z

I think you are asking whether or not you can remove the factory bolts one at a
time and replacing them with an ARP stud, right? I don't think its a good idea to try it that way but I have never done it. If you really want to attempt it you would have to loosen in the order specified.

Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

And I would like to know if I can re use my gaskets

Dave88z

Cometics are supposed to be reusable a few times. I have heard people say that
they reused them and they leaked. Others have reused them with great results. I think if you clean the gaskets and heads/deck really well they should be fine. I have also heard that if you reuse them, spray both sides of the gaskets with copper spray.

Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

Is it possible to pick up copper spray at the parts store

Rothman

iTrader: (4)

yeah, permatex makes it. You can find it almost anywhere.

ringram

Im pretty sure you will want to clean out the bolt holes they could fill up with stuff preventing a proper clamp.
Best to drain the water and pull the heads, do it once do it right.

Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

yeah good point ringram... haha i always look at cutting corners thanks everyone

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

Personally I don't see why you couldn't change them out one at a time. The head would never be unsealed. Just make sure you clean out the bolt holes real well.

thehammer69

iTrader: (2)

yes, you can do this. Pull one bolt at a time replacing it with a stud and torque the stud to the 2nd torque spec. What i mean by 2nd torque spec is torque it to what you would do on the second torquing of the 3 steps. After they are all in, then re-check the 2nd torque on all, and then go do final torque. I know of many people who have done a stud swap this way without issue and doing it with a re-usable head gasket should present zero issues.

Hammer

Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

Ok solid! so you are for sure on this?

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Whats wrong with the head bolts now?

Andrew

2c5s

iTrader: (11)

Good question.

Are you running big n2o or boost?

I think you're wasting your time changing them and it's going to be a PIA to clean out the bolt holes one at a time with the heads on, in a f-body to boot.

thehammer69

iTrader: (2)

How important is it gonna be for him to clean out the threads good if he's screwing in a stud finger tight and then torquing on a nut? But yeah, it probably is a waste of time as the stock bolts should do the job.

Hammer

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

If there is any coolant in the bottom of the bolt holes, when he installs the studs they will hydraulic and bust the bottom of the bolt hole out.

Plus, if the threads are not clean, then he will not get an accurate torque reading.

Bandit28

iTrader: (28)

I am going to be running 200+ shot. not certain yet, but i just bought roller rockers and head studs. There is nothing wrong with the stock bolts , I just want to be sure about those heads not walking or breaking a bolt off. But I have made my mind up, I am going to take the heads all of the way off

thehammer69

iTrader: (2)

Ok, we are talking studs here not bolts. I understand the coolant issue which can be taken care of in a second with an air blow nozzle. However, the part of the stud threaded into the block is not a focus of torque. They are not supposed to turn except maybe a little. All the friction is happening where the NUT threads onto the stud and is torqued down. That is why you DON'T have to clean the threads good with studs. Only the exposed thread of the stud itself needs to be clean.

Hammer

Stang's Bane

iTrader: (22)

Cool I read stud and heard bolt

2c5s

iTrader: (11)

There is a possibility that he could have a bunch of factory threadlock or crap left over in the hole. If the stud is not bottomed out, the nut could run out of thread causing a no or less TQ condition. Could it happen.... yes.

MrDude_1

iTrader: (4)

just so there isnt any confusion..
while its only the top that must be clean and broken in, for the torque values.....the threads for the stud in the block must still be clean for proper head retention.

also, any water in there may still cause hydraulic stress/fractures.. unless its frozen with a form of locktite, the stud does tighten some as its being torqued.