Cheap Head Gasket Fix
 

My 97 12 valve has 16.5 timing, 0 plate, 4 gsk and I want to add in some 90 hp injectors and a hx 40 or some type of larger turbo to clear up the smoke. I expect to make around 50psi of boost or a little more.

My question is, If I ordered some new and higer grade head bolts and torqued them down to about 140 lb (stock 115 lb), would it keep my head gasket safe? Any additional information or where I could order the harder head bolts would be appreciated. I just don't see it necessary to pay $500 for head studs when I don't plan on pulling or making insane horsepower.

if you want to run 50 pounds of boost, most people would highly reccomend head studs. you cant just go get higher grade bolts because head bolts are stretch bolts. do it right, get the studs, and never do it again. instead of messing with blown headgaskets or something major messed up that costs 2 times as much to fix

You can do this as there are several out there doing it. Its still a chance you take.

Mighty Diesel - Diesel Performance Parts For Cummins , Powerstroke , Duramax And More is selling high grade head bolts for $130 mine just got here today

this is what i got in my 97 pulling truck with a s400. :tu:

Do you all follow the factory torque specs or do you go tighter? Do you all have your head O ringed?

X2

you follow stock specs:tu:

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i have no o rings

Don't torque a standard 12mm stud or bolt to more than 125lbs.

i have my head studs tourqed to 150ftlbs as do manby people without o-rings been running 50psi for the last year with no issues.