Head Studs vs. Head bolts
It even tells you in the directions to just hand tighten them and then put your heads on etc etc. 
02-24-2011, 05:26 PM
#23
i wouldn't install them with the heads already in place. You will get sealant all over/in between the head gasket layers, block, head etc. I use plenty of copper silicone to seal mine, I do them on a short block, use brake cleaner and a ton of paper towels to clean every bit of excess. Then need to get the studs torqued (3 steps) while the silicone still hasn't set up. I've never had a stud leak, and neither has my builder who uses the same method. Time consuming, yes. But better than having to do it twice and wasting a head gasket.
02-24-2011, 08:03 PM
#26
I would also recommend making sure the threads in the block are clean. Use a good thread chaser, not tap, to run through the threads. Couple of the studs stopped a touch early and after chasing the threads, everything was even, for the similar length studs that is.
