Head Studs

JWRE · 12-09-2012, 02:21 AM

Studs are always better, but I don't think you necessarily need them. I once worked at a shop where 99% of the builds were SBF. Fel-Pro did some tests with us on head gaskets. One finding was the substantial increase in clamping force with 351W's 1/2" bolts versus 302's 7/16". The 1/2" bolts were even better than 7/16" studs. In fact, they said running their Loc-wire gaskets on a 302 was not beneficial because the 7/16" fasteners couldn't clamp the gasket enough to take advantage of the improved combustion seal with the o-ring, making it no better than using a standard Fel-Pro blue stripe head gasket. I don't know how much power you're expecting, but I've used bolts on several 700HP range Windsors, even adding a little NOS to some, and never had an issue.

12-09-2012, 02:21 AM	#2
JWRE Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Head Studs Studs are always better, but I don't think you necessarily need them. I once worked at a shop where 99% of the builds were SBF. Fel-Pro did some tests with us on head gaskets. One finding was the substantial increase in clamping force with 351W's 1/2" bolts versus 302's 7/16". The 1/2" bolts were even better than 7/16" studs. In fact, they said running their Loc-wire gaskets on a 302 was not beneficial because the 7/16" fasteners couldn't clamp the gasket enough to take advantage of the improved combustion seal with the o-ring, making it no better than using a standard Fel-Pro blue stripe head gasket. I don't know how much power you're expecting, but I've used bolts on several 700HP range Windsors, even adding a little NOS to some, and never had an issue.