silicone boy

Tonite I was installing some LS7 heads on my 427 shortblock (it's not in the car). I was using ARP studs. Everything was going well. I was torquing up to the specified torque values in stages (50 ft-lb at first, then 75). Then I got to the short studs on the inside. The first one started to tighten up on me, then went soft. Not completely, there is still some resistance. The next three went to 50 ft-lb OK, but the last went soft also. I'm pretty sure I stripped 2 of the 5. Then I remembered that the stock head bolts here are torqued to 22 ft-lb or so. OUCH.

My question is, would you all leave it, since the inner row of studs plays a lesser role in clamping the heads down, or would you play it safe and have the steel head bolt inserts installed in the deck? Could this be done with the rotating assembly in place or does the motor have to be taken apart?


It's been a rough night and I can't believe I was so stupid.

Mean Green z28

iTrader: (17)

You can probably run it like that but while its out, it's better to pull the head off again, cover up the rest of the block and helicoil the holes you stripped. Also recheck the other holes 'cos you probably weakened the threads.

Beast96Z

iTrader: (21)

Heli coil them while there out of the car.

helicoil

iTrader: (104)

Don't waste your time installing it. Remove the head and see what damage has taken place. Fix it right now while it is easy. You will probably need to helicoil those 2. Done hundreds.