Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Porper head stud torque?

[BWatson]

Proper head stud torque?

So I'm putting a new head on my 12v and am using ARP studs versus the stock head-bolts. The directions I was told (including what is in APR's directions) say to hand-snug the studs into the block and only torque the nut onto the stud. Can someone explain to me why you would not torque the stud into the block as well as the nut on the stud? Isn't this the whole purpose of using a stud over a bolt? I always thought that you use a stud to equalize stresses. You torque the stud down in one direction and when you torque the nut down, in puts stress in the opposite direction and this equalizes the stress through the stud.



How does hand-snugging the stud into the block and only torqueing the nut, make this any better than a glorified bolt?



What have you done with your studs? Hand-snug or torque the stud into the block? I only want to do this once. This is for a ported, o-ringed head, that I plan on throwing some serious pressure into in the future and don't want to be blowing head-gaskets because the studs weren't torqued properly.



Thanks much!

 

[RHARVEY]

Brian...



That is the way its done... why I cant tell you. I snugged the stud on the block and then torqued the nut. Bolts will stretch and the studs wont or that is what I have been told. It will hold the pressure with just snugging the studs and torquing(sp?) the nuts.



Rick

 

[BWatson]

Hey Rick,



Harry's never given a reason for this? I know this was the way you told me to do it, just every other stud application I've run across you torque both ends. Just looking for an explanation of why this way is done this way before putting those bad boys in there. Thanks again for all your help on this, you rock Rick!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I was always taught to install studs finger tight... the torque at the nut is the torque at the nut, period... and it's going to turn way easier than the stud. by going finger tight, you don't put any pre-load on the fastener.



the specs are the specs

 

[Signal73]

plus when you snap one in the block, its soooo much easier to get out...

 

[BWatson]

I guess that's the way I'll be doing it tonight then. Thanks Rick and Forrest.



Signal73 - don't jinx me. :{

 

[Timebomb]

The main reson I think you dont torque the stud is so it stays strait. Sometimes they will want to bottom out at an angle and will go to one side.