Do I really need studs?
 

Im replacing the HG on my 97 running around 45lbs boost. I have way too much fuel for the stock turbo and I realize its got drive pressure issues. I will swap to a bigger single as soon as funds allow. Can I just go back with bolts? Is any one using Mighty Diesels bolts if so how are they working out?

Do I really need studs?
 

Studs are a good idea, and I hear good things about the mighty diesel bolts... If you don't plan on doing more than prob 55lbs boost I'd say go ahead and do the mighty diesel bolts, unless you have the money for studs. The stock head bolts are just junk... If you just did a gasket id replace them with one of the two

Did you set your head on and then install your studs? How tough was the install?

Do I really need studs?
 

http://www.scheiddiesel.com/uploads/files2/1523.pdf

Here ya go bud. This ^^^ explains it. My truck has the stock gasket, didn't have my head off. I did my studs one by one. Unfortunately arp sent me a bum stud that broke off into the block while torqing at 110 ft/lbs. I was able to extract the broken piece from the block with the head still on using the other end of the broken bolt haha. It was amazing... Arp sent me out 2 new studs

studs for sure.. worth every penny

Thanks for the input. if I get a .20 over HG is that how much I need to take off of my head? Or should flat be good enough? Is it worth porting and polishing the head while its off?

I did my studs one at a time and havent had a issue. IMO studs are needed at over 40 psi

How much is sticking up once you set the head back on and how tight do you get them when you screwed them into the block?

When I do them? I tighten the stud all the way down then back the stud out a half turn and then tighten the nut down to 90 ft lbs and I do that on all 26 studs

Do I really need studs?
 

Yeah. Make sure the studs go in very smoothly into the block, you shouldn't have to use a tool to get them to screw in they should go by hand. If they don't, tap-clean them till they do. Go all they way till they bottom out and back them off 1/8 of a turn just so they're not bottomed out. They're not supposed to be tight in the block. Tighten in sequence in 3 steps up to 125 ft/lbs and use the arp lube!!! Run the truck for a little while and let it cool down. Go back and tighten to 125 again in sequence. Since you are doing a gasket it will take some time to set. You may have to go back in and re torque 4 times within a month or 2 before it's safe to romp on. Use the arp lube on the top threads and nut/washer. Use motor oil on the block threads. The long bolts go on the exhaust side of the head.