What is the propper procedure for installing head studs in a SBC (LT1). do you just put sealant on them and screw them all the way in or is there a procedure?

 

Use ARP thread sealant on the part that goes into the block. THen just tighten them in till they stop turning DO NOT put any torque on them. Just stop tightening when they won't turn anymore. Then put ARP assembly lube on the tops of them where the nut will go and then tighten them to 65ft lbs in 3 steps. 20, 40, 65.... DO NOT use the factory specs on these studs, go by ARP's specs...

Also DO NOT skimp out and not buy the ARP thread sealant. I did the first time and I used some other kinda of sealant and my studs leaked like a **** Luckly I pull my engine out just about every year so I was able to handle it better this last time and I used the ARP stuff and haven't had ANY problems now

 

Thanks!!! That is exactly what I needed. I was going to use a pipe teflon sealant , but I'll go ahead and go the rout you sugested and get the ARP stuff , just to be safe.

 

Yea I could NEVER get a straight answer from anyone back in the day when I did mine the FIRST time and I just used some of that permatex stuff from like autozone thinnking it would be just fine... Little did I know i'd be redoing it all over again... Oh well it didn't bother me because the motor comes out about every year so I can take care of stupid mistakes like that no problem.. But Im sure it's not the same case for everyone. Just don't risk it, there MIGHT be some other stuff that will work, BUT I can tell you FOR SURE that the ARP stuff works, and it's not anymore expensive than the stuff that you will find in the stores so might as well just get the ARP stuff

good luck