Head gasket question

[dhen]

I got a FelPro head gasket for a CA18DE. Does this look like it's installed right:



The reason I ask is that I noticed that some of the holes on the block are blocked. I circled them in yellow.



I'm assuming this doesn't matter, but I'd like to make sure before I torque it down.

I'm using ARP head studs. It says to tighten in 3 equal steps to 80 ft. lbs. I guess this means torque to 27 then 54 then 80?

Sorry for the stupid questions, but I'd rather ask than screw this up, especially since the engine bay this is going into is small and makes even removing the head a complete pain in the a**.

Thanks,

Darian

[roast]

Yep, that's the CA gasket in the correct position... I haven't used ARP studs yet.

[s13drifter88]

my ARP studs said to only torque down to 75??? i did 20, 40, 60 loosen 25, 50, 75.

[dhen]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. About the torque specs, maybe they've changed? I just got mine in the mail.

Darian

[sjbsuperman1425]

202-4302 - US/JDM CA18DE(T) Head Stud Kit
Head Studs - Tightening Procedure;Torque in THREE stages: 30 ft-lbs, then 55 ft-lbs, then 80 ft-lbs (using their moly grease).loosen and re-torque THREE MORE times!Heat cycle the studs (start and run to NOT).Let the engine cool down, thoroughly check torque on studs, and tighten as necessary

Pulled this from the stickies. I followed it and mine haven't leaked yet. Be wearing tightening the rear exhaust side nut. Sockets tend to rub on the head and give a false torque reading. Remember, torque wrenches are a precision tool, but are kind of stupid

[dhen]

I missed that. Thanks.

[s13drifter88]

i have a socket that i machined in a lathe for clearance. it works great