arp head studs with hypermax head gaskets with compression rings

[crazyman25]

Well what I have is a 2004 F250 6.0L with 80,000 miles on it. It is currently in the shop getting the head gaskets replaced. I am going with the ARP head stud kit and hypermax head gaskets with the compression rings. Wondering if any one has used this combination before? I talked to hypermax, they said I would need to burnish the studs 3 times to get proper crush on their compression rings. Meaning torque the studs 3 times. Seems like a lot of extra work. The best I can tell from info off the net is that the combo might be slight over kill, but I don't want to go through this again. Either product by themselves would be enough. ( studs w/ stock gaskets or hypermax head gaskets with stock head bolts ) The machine shop said that my heads are warped, but they could shave them. They shaved them .005 and put some kind of cups in where the injectors go to keep them from hitting the pistons. Would appreciate any opinions on this. Should have everything back tommorrow and start the reassembly.

there is no such thing as overkill!!!! my theory is do it and do it once. yeah torquing the heads 3 times is a pain but in the end its worth it.

[tex25025]

That is overkill, you don't need the hypermax gaskets with what you're running unless you're going to make that truck nothing but a competition truck eventually.

Second, hypermax gaskets have to be put on damn good without any errors or you still run the risk of head issues unlike the stock gaskets that can take a little fluctuation, the hypermax cannot. For the price that you pay for those gaskets it isn't worth it in my opinion.

Third, the bolts are the true issue not the gaskets, so trying to use hypermax gaskets with stock bolts, you'll still be running the same chance for head issues. We aren't talking about the 02-04 mustangs here that have gasket issues, our issues are the headbolts.

[SamW]

most people just use stock gaskets and arp studs. no need for the rings unless your going to be making 100 lbs boost

[06F250powerstroke]

Im pretty sure there are 550HP trucks on here running just the ARP's with stock gaskets

[smokersteve]

ya its the studs not the gaskets

[crazyman25]

Thanks to everyone that replied! I have decided to send the hypermax head gaskets back. I will be using stock gaskets with the arp studs.

[mdub707]

Good choice.