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How far can you go on head studs only? (no o ringing of head)

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Old 06-27-2011, 05:29 PM
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How far can you go on head studs only? (no o ringing of head)

I'm going to be making the jump to twins in a month or two, so I was wondering what the limits are on head studs only. ARP standard 12 mm head studs to be exact.

I'm not really too keen on having to send my head off to be o ringed, so if I can skip it and still meet my goals, I will be a happy camper.

My goal is 350-400 whp, 800-900 wtq through my A518.

My truck sits around most of the time now. When I do drive it I am towing something. I am trying to get it where it can tow a 10,000 lb 5th wheel camper and be able to keep up with today's traffic.

Thanks in advance!
Old 06-27-2011, 06:50 PM
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I've heard 50-60psi. That's only what I've heard, so don't quote me on it. But, then again, I've heard of the standard head bolts holding up to 60psi. I think some of those guys just have luck on their side IMO.
Old 06-27-2011, 06:52 PM
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Im sure studs would hold a mediate set of twins just fine. I've heard they'll hold 60 lbs but its all in luck and the age of your head gasket too. I know you can install them one at a time without pulling the head with the right sequence and torque. I know a few guys that have done this and had good luck. Im gonna do this too but wanna do 60 lb springs at the same time so im still savin up.
Old 06-27-2011, 06:56 PM
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Yeah, the shop I have the truck at gave me a quote today and did not mention the cost of a new head gasket, so I am waiting to see if that is how they do it.. one at a time.

The Injection Pump should be done this week, and timing should be restored
Old 06-27-2011, 06:57 PM
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Which kit is on the way?
Old 06-27-2011, 07:01 PM
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It is the PDR Cobra Stage 3 Kit. S357/HT3B
Old 06-27-2011, 08:10 PM
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You might consider reviewing this thread to get the gist of what you're in for. https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...w-t213272.html

You're gonna need a mount for the primary. No biggy.

With an HX35 hybrid over an HT3B, DDP4's, big-time ported head over a stock cam, 2.5" plumbing through a Banks IC, I made right at 65psig boost (I can't remember the IP timing).

The way I beat on mine, I'd be real hesitant about running with no O-rings.




FWIW: Putting in a Hamilton 181/210 cam and changing nothing else dropped the boost by 10psig.
Old 06-27-2011, 08:36 PM
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It doesn't come with a mount for the primary? Sigh. I hope the kit has added that since you bought yours in 2008.
Old 06-27-2011, 10:12 PM
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Hit 448rwhp on bolts with 52psi and nitrous a while back. Hit over 400 a bunch of times.
Old 06-27-2011, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by JQmile
Hit 448rwhp on bolts with 52psi and nitrous a while back. Hit over 400 a bunch of times.
I wouldn't count on that consistently on every truck, though.
Old 06-27-2011, 10:39 PM
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Ive been running 50 psi on stock retourqed bolts for couple of months I dont plan on going to studs unless i lift the head that is also running water /meth
Old 06-27-2011, 10:42 PM
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I think I'm going to forge ahead without the o-rings. I will probably trim the fuel to keep the boost around 55 psi and go from there. Might not even hit 55 psi at my altitude, although it is only 4,000 feet.

In all reality though, I hardly ever hit max boost on my setup right now. It is 37 psi, but 99% of the time I am under 30 psi. I think the same principle will apply once I go to compounds. We will see.
Old 06-27-2011, 10:50 PM
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I havent run nitous yet with the new turbo but I have been running it hard right to 50 psi with the water/meth alot & I cant seem to hurt it it is kinda like my harley
Old 06-28-2011, 06:37 PM
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Mine has held up fine to 42 psi with the stock bolts for the past couple of years with lots of beating and a bunch of timing.

Originally Posted by sshort
Ive been running 50 psi on stock retourqed bolts for couple of months I dont plan on going to studs unless i lift the head that is also running water /meth
Interesting, that's good to here. I am about to pull the trigger on either studs/o-rings or a bigger turbo. Perhaps i will just get the studs and and skip the o-rings until i have the money to get the head ported as well. that will allow me to get the turbo and studs at the same time.
Old 06-28-2011, 07:00 PM
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Thats what iam waiting on I would like to purchase another cyl head & than port & polish then I may put the studs in But from what I have read on other forums there is a lot of trucks making more hp then me running retoruqed head bolts I think the kee is to have a flat surface


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