other than the ability to pull the heads without using new bolts (lsx head bolts are TTY)...what are the advantages of studs?

how do they work? how do they not thread in tighter as you put them on?

edjumacate me.

they are $$$...

 

The studs allow you to apply more clamping force or tq on to the stud vs a bolt. With a bolt your turning the bolt in the aluminum head and couls easely strip it out. With the stud it is already screwed in and instead of the stud turning in the heads threads you have a nut thats turning on the hardened steel stud. This allows you to put most of the threads stress ring on the hardened stud inteads of the soft head threads.

If that makes any sense let me know.

 

Actually the bolts are threaded into the block not the heads so it doesn't matter if they are aluminum or not. Of course the LSx engines are aluminum. It is about the forces seen on the threads though. With a bolt you are applying both tension and shearing forces on the threads when you torque the bolt. Also SBC cast iron stock engines are not known for there thick decks, so under high forces like over torquing bolts or detonation, the bolts can be pulled or strip out.
With studs because you are only applying tension forces and because of the quality of the threads and material you can apply greater torque and therefore get greater clamping force. Again because of the quality of the studs and threads, and because you use some kind fo lub. on the nut end, it is very unusual for the studs to turn while torquing the nuts.

 

I missread the title and was thinking header bolts/ studs. I replyed to this just after replying to the header bolt thread.

 

I too want to know about this. I am almost about to good enough funds to buy all my fasteners and gaskets for my h/c job, but if saving up an addition hundred for studs IS worth it, then I will.

 

If they are worth it or not is really a personal choice. On a street or street/strip, standard or LT1 SBC, NA, no NOX, I would think not. If your running forced induction, or lots of NOX then they probably are worth it.
Also the LSx engines are completely diffferent design, and very strong. I don't know if they are necessary or not.