I see a lot of threads about how everyone should do head studs but how bullet proof will the motor be after doing the head studs? With just the studs would i be safe with extreme tunes and big turbos or what level will the motor be at afterwards?
Head studs AND blocking off or deleting the EGR cooler will let you push things pretty far. You've got to do something with the cooler too otherwise the added exhaust heat from big power upgrades will most definately kill it. There's 6.0's making 500-600 rwhp with basically stock motors that are studded and EGR's deleted. If you have the heads done, make sure they are milled flat before reassembly. If they are even slightly warped or cracked the gaskets won't hold.
I don't now much about the kit that Raul sells that you linked, but yes the EGR delete is a good mod whether or not you do studs. Just beware that once you do it, kiss any remaining factory warranty you have goodbye unless your dealer/tech gives you the thumbs up, up front.
There is one thing that can still bite you in the azz after studs and EGR delete. That is scored cylinder walls. My truck puked after studs because the heads weren't within spec and when the heads got lifted off there is was, my engine was scored and done. I now have a reman with head bolts.
well now i just got to figure out how to get my dealer to do the work........ maybe i can pursuy them with some german beer to say my head gaskets are bad.
So is the reason that these motors blow head gaskets so much because of the stock heaqd bolts? and when do they normally blow? while towing or just heavy foot or what?
They can in some cases go in stock form, but its typically #1 reason is heavy footed high HP tunes will stretch the head bolts. #2 heavy towing and overworking the engine will more than likely warp the heads. #3 is just bad luck, and something else in engine fails that my make the truck over heat?
If you do get studs, make sure your heads are not warped or cracked.. I got studs put in about 6 months ago, and today the cab got pulled off my truck for new heads because they were warped..
the stock head bolts dont have the tensile strength as the ARPs so they tend to go..they can go towing, racing, or just driving around town..modded trucks or totally 100% stock rigs..swing or miss sometimes with these trucks
Studs are a good safety add on and allow you to push the the HP of these trucks way up with little worry. Like said, just make sure they are not warped and you get the heads shaved. I suggest fireringing it while its apart
Its when the heads are machined with a grooove in the head and the block so where the gaskets meet, there is a thicker steal ring that blocks the heat and pressure fromt getting to the head gasket preventing failure in high HP applications.
If your heads are true when reinstalled, ARP's and factory Ford gaskets will hold up to a lot of punishment...:thumb: I've seen 6.0's pushing 550-600 HP on fuel with stock gaskets and studs with no issues.
BTW, the studs aren't a cure all, but they do eliminate 95% of future gasket problems when installed right.
Droppin my truck off today to get studded cant wait! I understand that studs will allow the engine to handle more cylinder pressure but they dont change the fact that alot of our tunes produce very high EGT's. Even once im studded I wont be able to tow on like extreme street because of the EGT's, RIGHT OR WRONG? Dont stud tunes have outrageous EGT's? So a studded truck is bulletproof but you can only be on the gas for a short time or you'll melt it down. Thanks for the help guys
Never tow anything heavy with a extreme tune. That is a straight driving tune and that's it. Your trans probably wouldn't last long if you towed on a extreme tune
well my truck is still on a tune from Eric before i was studded..i also spray nitrous on that tune. try a new tune and see what happens
thats only as true as trying it out ya know. i could be that your new "stud" tune produces a little more heat but you wont know until you actually try it out. :thumb:
^ What he said. Your asking for trouble towing any thing of significant weight on any extreme tune. Even the canned high horsepower tunes from any programmer manufacturer tell you not to do it. if you want to tow then get a good economy/tow tune or use whatever programmer you have on say a 40-50 HP tune or whatever it is that they have. Your EGT's will skyrocket towing in that high (extreme) of a tune also.
I got ARP's put in and puked since the day I picked it up. My headgaskets are still good and it only pukes with the tunes installed. As soon as I go back to stock I cant get it to puke no matter how hard I try.
I've convinced myself its normal for a 6.0 to puke coolant now...
My cooler is still in place yes, but its a new cooler. I want to take it off, but if I take it off and it still pukes after that, I'm going to have to really cross my fingers that the dealer will help me out after that...
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