Should I do studs or not?

[cdelap]

I am getting ready to do the EGR Delete, and Oil Cooler that I bought last year, I after some more reading I am wondering if the advise to not both with studs if I haven't had trouble wasn't so sound. The truck is now at 140k on original everything I added my edge CTS around 120 and am just now starting to notice my delta creaping up. (besides a issue with the thermostat I had back in the winter) I am wondering what people think, If im going this far why not all the way?

Does anyone have a good place to buy ARP's, is $127 for gaskets from tousley to much?

[Fred@PMM]

I would go ahead and do studs, your going deep enough in you might as well.


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[kdogg85]

You can if you want, certainly won't hurt anything. Since the egr is going bye bye, that is 95% of the reason gone. The other 5% is running hotter tunes and larger power components.

If you never plan to go the monster power route, I wouldn't waste my time or money. But, I would take that money and get new stand pipes and dummy plugs and stc fitting if the truck has one.

[Six0~Stroker]

I would do it


Look around for ARP's should be around 420-450


Price on gaskets seem good!

[turbotibbo]

also if you didnt do it already i would change from ford gold coolant to some elc thats ec-1 rated . this will protect the investment of the new oil cooler.

[windrunner408]

IMO if you are going to tear that far in, then go the rest of the way as well so long as you make sure the heads are properly gone through by a machine shop. They should be checked for flatness, magnafluxing, and pressure checked at a minimum. I would also have them do a complete valve job and probably use new springs.

Then as already mentioned, make sure you get OEM head gaskets, new/updated stand pipes and dummy plugs, upgraded STC fitting if your truck is a 05-07, and new injector orings and seals. Plan to spend about $500-$600 on gaskets.

[foozlemonster]

It seems like you are a long way in with the oil cooler, but don't forget the extra work that must be done to get the studs out. Also might want to keep a few grand lying around for the heads in case they are toast. IMO

Of course, I haven't done it myself yet. Just the research I have done thus far.

[cdelap]

My mechanic said I would be better off opening the exhaust up than doing studs, if I can keep the EGT's lower I am going to be less likely to damage the Head Gaskets. Also keep in mind I am not building this for major power, I am building it for reliability. I do tow my Fifth Wheel every other weekend in the summer.

[asian195]

I guess the main question is, do "you" want to spend the $$/time on it? If that's not a problem, go ahead. Better safe than sorry. If not, then don't. Do them when you "have" to. Just my opinion, I would do it now if I had the $$.

Sent from my smart phone that seems dumb compared to my wifes new phone...