Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Copper Cylinder Head Gasket

[DieselTorque]

is it necessary to install a copper cylinder head gasket, i want to eventually to run about 400 hp, but will use my truck, to tow/haul

and commute to work, not racing or pulling.



also are cylinder head and main bearing studs a good investment, or are they just used/needed by the racing/pulling crowd.



also since i'll be running 400+ hp should i get a HX40 turbo w/ wastegate? is it a good investment?



Tia to all questions

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

You defenatly don't have to worry about a coper headgasket at that HP level.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Head studs help hold big boost, if you not going to be racing or pulling and are on a budget you should be fine. The OEM headgasket is not all that bad, it will be fine at 40psi (i have seen over 60spi on mine), providing that its in good condition. If you pulling the head, oring and stud it while its off, that way you have room to grow.

 

[C. Harlan]

what do you mean by 'stud it'?? I am going to be taking my head off this week. Any and all help would be appreciated.



-Chris-

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Chris,

stud it, is a term for use head studs.



Its a threaded bolt on both ends, then a washer and a nut. As opposed to the standard headbolts that stretch. Studs offer a better torque transfer to the head, helping it stay down where it's belongs. Van Haisley as stud kits if you need them. I think they are good to like 80psi, or close to that.



I guess in reality your not studing the head your studing the block

 

[C. Harlan]

any idea on how much they cost? I am on a tight budget, need to have this truck town down and running again by Feb 7th. I know its a pushy time schedule, but its a MUST. . Thanks for all input.

 

[thaile]

You ought to have plenty of time. It only takes an hour to an hour and a half to get the head off of the truck and not sure about the studs but if you have a new set of bolts you can have it back on by yourself and running again in 4 to 5 hours. Even faster if you have somebody to help you put it back together. the

 

[C. Harlan]

that is from complete start to finish?? Don't you have to take the turbo, exhaust manifold, valve covers, and other stuff off as well before you can remove the head?

 

[willyslover]

stock size studs are in the $400+ area and are in the 190,000 PSI rating for those one...

the larger ones are more, and you have to pull the block to drill and tap for the larger ones

 

[JohnE]

After switching to studs, is it possible to pull the head with the block still in the truck?

 

[willyslover]

tight but can be done



sometimes better to pull the back couple studs [no biggie though]