Anybody willing or able to provide any insight?
Rehashing an old conversation, but looking for an update:
My understanding from old threads on the topic are that the ARP head studs for the Chevy 2.8 are a better fit than the ones for the 3.8 SC due to exhaust manifold clearance - still an issue or did ARP fix that? I have a 90 SC, 5 speed and am toying with installing the ARP studs. Can you (the collective 'you') confirm the part numbers and preference for which ones are best suited?
Also, full disclosure, I am really needing to replace the valve cover gaskets at this time, the head gaskets seem fine, with 180K on them. I really don't have the time or resources to pull the heads, deck them, prep the block surface, etc. if I don't have to. Someone suggested replacing the factory head bolts with the ARP studs, methodically, one at a time - from pulling to torqueing - without removing the heads. This seems like a recipe for head gasket failure to me when you start doing that, but have others done this? I honestly do not see the value until it's time to replace the head gaskets, but I may be missing something - please help confirm or refute my concerns.
I know the miles are high, but that being said, be honest with your comments. It's not a daily driving (regular though) and I am not beating on it or needing to beef it up at this point - just looking for longevity. Thanks!
Rehashing an old conversation, but looking for an update:
My understanding from old threads on the topic are that the ARP head studs for the Chevy 2.8 are a better fit than the ones for the 3.8 SC due to exhaust manifold clearance - still an issue or did ARP fix that? I have a 90 SC, 5 speed and am toying with installing the ARP studs. Can you (the collective 'you') confirm the part numbers and preference for which ones are best suited?
Also, full disclosure, I am really needing to replace the valve cover gaskets at this time, the head gaskets seem fine, with 180K on them. I really don't have the time or resources to pull the heads, deck them, prep the block surface, etc. if I don't have to. Someone suggested replacing the factory head bolts with the ARP studs, methodically, one at a time - from pulling to torqueing - without removing the heads. This seems like a recipe for head gasket failure to me when you start doing that, but have others done this? I honestly do not see the value until it's time to replace the head gaskets, but I may be missing something - please help confirm or refute my concerns.
I know the miles are high, but that being said, be honest with your comments. It's not a daily driving (regular though) and I am not beating on it or needing to beef it up at this point - just looking for longevity. Thanks!
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