Thread: Studs or bolts

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I am thinking about using ARP studs in my 383, but was told that water "tends to climb up" the studs moreso than bolts.

What do you guys think? This is not in a street car and I have really good access to the engine. Are the studs worth the extra cost versus a good set of ARP bolts?

When I built my last 383 I used studs, as I was turning some big
HP and just thought they would be worth the little extra cost. I
used thread sealer, and no water problems. Had to do a little shaving
of the bolts in some places for headers to work properly. If I were
racing it, I would go with the studs, but that's just my opinion.
Actually I think mine was a 388 instead of 383.

Originally Posted by rdobbs

When I built my last 383 I used studs, as I was turning some big
HP and just thought they would be worth the little extra cost. I
used thread sealer, and no water problems. Had to do a little shaving
of the bolts in some places for headers to work properly. If I were
racing it, I would go with the studs, but that's just my opinion.
Actually I think mine was a 388 instead of 383.

That was my thoughts going into this as well. I have two good friends that I trust and they both told me different things. Starting to sound like its just personal preference unless I am trying to put out 1000+ hp. It sounds like I'll probably buy the studs.

Originally Posted by rdobbs

When I built my last 383 I used studs, as I was turning some big
HP and just thought they would be worth the little extra cost. I
used thread sealer, and no water problems. Had to do a little shaving
of the bolts in some places for headers to work properly. If I were
racing it, I would go with the studs, but that's just my opinion.
Actually I think mine was a 388 instead of 383.

Thanks for the reply. Appreciate it! I like the idea of the studs, but need to justify the $$ difference to my better half. (she "needs" more camera stuff )

ARP studs are the way to go, especially if you plan on aluminum heads. The cost difference is really insignificant when you consider the total cost of the engine. To me the piece of mind is worth it.

Dont forget to check your clearances before buying the studs.....sometimes a heater box, a brake booster, or some other firewall component will not allow you to pull the head straight up the entire stud length.....what's worse than listening to the wife chew your butt about buying studs? Answer: listening to the wife chew your butt about buying studs and not using them!!!

mike in tucson

Originally Posted by robot

Dont forget to check your clearances before buying the studs.....sometimes a heater box, a brake booster, or some other firewall component will not allow you to pull the head straight up the entire stud length.....what's worse than listening to the wife chew your butt about buying studs? Answer: listening to the wife chew your butt about buying studs and not using them!!!

mike in tucson

LOL You have no idea! (Well at least I hope you don't!)