ARP head studs vs ARP head bolt kits??

[IBoughtASupra]

Devin Leblanc, a user on here, ran a Fel-Pro on his 7M. He was pushing its limits with E-85 and an E-Manage. It was a street/drag car that made a few good passes. I sent him a PM directing him here if he would like to voice his opinion and results.

 

[Devin LeBlanc]

I've used a felpro HG on the 7M with ARP bolts (not studs) and had good results. You should be fine to 400HP if everything is done properly (good machined surface on the head) and everything is prepped properly. I was running high compression and 18lbs on a 57 trim making 404WHP through an automatic (about 500 at the crankshaft) It did finally let go due to it just not being able to handle that much cylinder pressure due to the high compression + boost.

Personally I would go with a stud kit. Its a little bit more work but worth it in the end. A felpro with studs and properly machined head and good condition block surface will be reliable.

Make sure you get a Bottom tap for the block holes not just a regular one as it wont get the last few threads.

 

[mark0206]

I used ARP Bolts and torqued them to 90. Its just a 7mge but so far NO problems.

 

[nofx230]

thats very helpful man thanks i probably won't be running much more than 15lbs of boost as its going to be mainly a street car i plan on using the arp stud kit and still undecided on a composite HG but if i plan on going high boost ill just build my other motor thanks for the input

 

[black89t]

arp headbolts and a felpro hg will be fine for your goals. just take the head to the machine shop to make sure it isn't warped and you'll be good as long as you know what your doing. my truck has a felpro hg and it works great!

 

[mark0206]

Same here! I bought ARP head bolts (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and a composite felpro hg. Had the head machined. It was shaved 20 thousands of an inch so I put a 20 thousands shim in to get back to the right specs. Normally this isnt necessary but I had to do it because so much was shaved off. I tightened the bolts to 90 Ft Pds. Just to make sure it was good and tight. But the arp bolts and felpro gasket worked great. Car runs great!!