strength added from headstuds only rb20

[ST240]

I've gathered all the parts for my build. I'm looking for and honest 350 whp on my rb20. I originally wasn't going to install ARP headstuds, but I've been wondering about it.

My question is how much added toughness does installing just ARP headstuds w/ OEM headgasket add? I'm kinda thinking the weak point is the OEM headgasket and not the OEM studs. Can anyone comment?

[Monogato]

You can't re-use OEM studs, I mean I guess you could but they stretch. ARP studs you can use over and over without the stretch. Your power goal is the same is mine, OEM headgasket can take it. Of course this is saying that you've changed it...or using a new one.

[GoTRicEo0]

Better clamping force overtime.I have no idea how nissan makes their headbolts... so far I have mainly arp everything in my engine but cam gear caps/flywheel bolts. Going well so far.

[ST240]

Yeah well exactly... My point kinda is "if it aint broke, dont fix it". The OEM hg/studs are fine right now i guess im just trying to figure out if its worth ripping the engine apart for.

[PyR0NiAk]

I've fought this battle over and over in my mind about my SR. (400whp goal) My vote is for you to do it... No reason not to. Just don't forget to have the head decked. ($35-$40 at a machine shop)

[RustspecS13]

Are you replacing your head gasket? If you are get ARP studs.

My head gasket failed just because it was old, and I got head studs. Then my belt idler failed and i had to pull the head off again, and now i saved money because I didn't have to buy more studs.

They do put down more clamping force and are reusable its a win win situation. And a stock head gasket is good for 400-500whp no problem.

Just do it, I wish I would have before I put my engine in the first time. But no one had gaskets any where. You have to remember these engines have been sitting for a very long time, and now your going to subject it to a lot of heat and abuse. Those studs are 20 years old and are heat and age fatigued.

~Alex

[Yellow4g63]

You can't re-use OEM studs, I mean I guess you could but they stretch. ARP studs you can use over and over without the stretch. Your power goal is the same is mine, OEM headgasket can take it. Of course this is saying that you've changed it...or using a new one.

Since when? The stock studs look beefy I would reuse them just once but that's about it. But what the hell since it's off might as well since the head is off.

[Monogato]

I think it's funny people are saying re-use the original studs...

Really?

[Bluefire]

Dude if your on a budget and your not planning on making that much power, I would say eff it and just reuse the bolts. I used to do it all the time on SR's and never had issues. Its just that ARP studs are so common nature now that people automatically assume you have to run them. But in all my years, I have yet to see someone come in with a blown headgasket because the stock bolts gave.

But of course if you do have extra money and want a little extra insurance than go ahead and run the studs.

-Bluefire

[d356bud]

if the engine is apart already then go replace them because doing it right the first time means u don't have to rip it apart again and do it right the second time.

[eh?]

For 350whp I would not bother with studs. I've reused head bolts with no problems. When you upgrade to a MLS HG then use studs for more clamping force. But for an oem HG it makes no sense. Lots of people reuse them despite what the manual says.

[Yellow4g63]

I think it's funny people are saying re-use the original studs...

Really?

What makes you think you can't? The FSM says nothing about throwing them away and buying new ones.

[Monogato]

Dude so just because the FSM doesn't say it, that makes it un-true?

Save the hassle, when something goes wrong and you have to take it apart again.

Or would you still use them again then?

So many people cheap out...if you want things done right you have to spend the money.

Done deal.

[Yellow4g63]

Dude so just because the FSM doesn't say it, that makes it un-true?

Save the hassle, when something goes wrong and you have to take it apart again.

Or would you still use them again then?

So many people cheap out...if you want things done right you have to spend the money.

Done deal.

The FSM isn't a hit or miss thing. The stock studs aren't made cheap either. I would reuse them if I had too or wasn't planning on running crazy amounts of boost.