Studs in place of head bolts?

[A Johnson]

OK, I'm not a hot rodder, so I'm wondering what the theory is behind using studs to bolt the cylinder head in place. I assume it is for greater clamping load due to finer thread pitch, or possibly greater strength of the stud versus a cap screw. ? Cummins quit using studs a long time ago on the 5 1/8" bore engines. Did they do that because it is easier for automated machines to install and torque cap screws?(Hey I only work there I don't ask questions, actually I did ask the question and received no good answer. )



With the use of the current torque turn/ torque to yield cap screws , what is the advantage of studs?



A Johnson

 

[Bill Lins]

On engines that the heads are repeatedly R&R'd, the use of studs prevents the threads in the block from wearing out. Works well on dragsters & funny cars, where they have the room to pull the heads over the studs.

 

[nickleinonen]

a stud also allows you to have a corse pitch thread in the block [very useful if using aluminum block] to help in the stripped threads department, and fine threads up by the nut to hold the torque better.