And the fun begins!

[Braden]

Hello, just joined SM recently and posted my intro with some pics of my new 89 turbo project. Well I already have an issue that I could use advice on?

The last person that tried to get this car running had attempted to replace the head gasket and put arp head studs on. In the process he completly stripped one of the holes on the block where the stud should go.

Anyone know if i can drill this out to 1mm larger re-tap it and use a larger stud from arp or what are my options. I dont really want to use a heli-coil as I plan to be running a lot of boost and dont really trust that for a head stud. Any suggestions?

 

[IJ.]

Helicoil x 2>3 would be the better option.

There's not a lot of meat in the head for a bigger stud and even then there's less room for a bigger nut and washer.

 

[Kckazdude]

Is there enough meat left in the block (especially between cylinders) for a helicoil to be drilled in? I have seen a few blocks cracked from the water jacket to the bolt holes on the 7M is why I ask.

 

[Braden]

Helicoil x 2>3 would be the better option.

Sorry I.J but what does the x 2>3 mean?

 

[IJ.]

Two to three coils per hole.

Helicoils are quite short and for peace of mind I'd wind the 1st one in almost to the bottom then wind a couple more in.

It will be as strong if not stronger than the original hole and will use stock size hardware.

This is of course after crack testing the block.

 

[suprabad]

Is there enough meat left in the block (especially between cylinders) for a helicoil to be drilled in? I have seen a few blocks cracked from the water jacket to the bolt holes on the 7M is why I ask.

Yeah, there is if you drill straight. I'd pull the block and use a drill press to make sure. It's not ideal no matter which way you go.

As far as cracking the block, it's a possibility...but what are your options? Right now you've got a useless block if you can't bolt the head down. I've known people who have tried on other makes of engines with mixed results, often it doesn't hold for very long, or at all at the levels of torque needed to hold down a head and establish a lasting seal.

I hate to say it, but I'd chunk the block.

 

[Braden]

Thanks for the input guys, I think im gonna just look for a new bare block and then swap parts over. I dont want to spend a bunch of money only for that one head bolt to be the cause of my problems. Anybody know of anyone with a bare block lol!

 

[omfgitsdonovan]

i have a bareblock sitting in my garage