Ok, so i just ordered the BD super b special, and will be adding it to the upgrades listed in the signature... Is it time for a head stud upgrade or should i shrug it off for the time being? I dont think i will be doing much more to the truck being that it has plenty of power for what i need. I just like knowing that the truck is reliable... The head stud upgrade would be more to ease my mind so its not in the back of my head that i am going to have head gasket failure. The truck has just under 160,000 on it. Its an every day driver, and is used for the occasional 7k pound hauling. I wouldnt mind dyno running it, hitting the 1/4 mile, and hooking it to a sled just once each to see what it does after i get the turbo, but no competition on a weekly/monthly basis. I just dont want it to blow when i romp on it some day out of the blue. I'm right in the sweet spot thats like aaaaa ya u might need studs... Im not going to worry about the head gasket, i dont think, being that it's fine and i have no problems with it. Even though i would love a fire ring gasket kit on there... Let me know what you guys think. Havent dyno'd it yet but would love 500hp. So head studs or no head studs, let me know!

The next question is gonna be how hard is the install? Lol

 

I would probably go ahead and do studs and maybe orings.

 

You don't think a gasket is necessary at this point right? Anyone else have an opinion??

 

if i understand you right you dont want to replace your head gasget, correct? head gasgets are a one time use gasget, they are meant to be replaced if the head comes off no matter what. i would do studs for sure with a bigger turbo along with all your other additions to your truck its just better insurence that you dont have to worry about down the road

 

i say do head studs or at least allen head bolts.

 

Cfarley, correct they are one time use, but if I am only doing studs, the head is not going to be off... So I won't have to get a new gasket. I just don't know if it's worth doing everything at once or just the studs for my application

 

Also, is there any modification/machining required in the install to accept the new studs? I will bottom tap or clean the threads as best I can with the head on, but no rocker milling or soforth is required on the 24v correct? Just pull the old bolts one by one replacing it with a stud as you go, follow the torque sequences and do some retorques after operating temp and good to go right?

 

i ran that same setup for about 8 months with stock head bolts. i also had the smarty and quad adr stack. just to be safe id do head studs but i dont think its nessacary. if anything tourque the factory head bolts to 110

 

Why worry? Always reduce the worry in our lives by over-planning for failure. Put the studs on one by one, leave the stock head gasket alone as head not coming off. BTW- the 12mm a1's are rated to 80 lbs of boost for a little more money. While you have the valve cover off adjust the valves.

 

Good info thx