The engine rebuilder/machinist said a couple of the rocker arm studs had started to pull out of the cylinder head. He replaced them with oversized studs (I think). Maybe I'll have to follow up with him to be sure! I wonder if this is why I had some upper end ticking going on?

Anyway, one of the guys I work with has pumped up his 302 for his Mustang and said I should consider pinning the rocker arm studs to prevent future stud pull out. Either this or consider having the studs removed and new thread in studs installed. I'm not doing a high performance overall; although I am planning on the Offy Intake/4 bbl/header kit along with the 260H cam.

Has anyone here ever pinned their rocker arm studs? I see kits in Summit's catalog. Thought? Opinions?

Tha's all I know for now...

 

If you pin them, be careful where you drill the holes - you might just strike antifreeze. I did, hopefully you won't. ...jack

oh, by the way, if you do strike antifreeze, just drill and tap, install screw-in stud with thread sealer.

 

A few years ago I installed screw in studs in a couple of engines . They were small block chevy . Not to hard a job . They were pulling out the pressed in studs . The screw in ones fixed it for good .

 

What would one expect to pay a shop to pin them vrs remove and thread for screw in studs?

 

One would expect whatever a particular shop will quote one on either operation.

 

Wasn't after a play on words.

 

I would think to pin them would cost more . To me screw in is easier . That is , if there is enough stock to do it . I would think easier to tap and install than to drill and pin . I may be wrong , Just my thought !

 

Just go with the screw in ones. It is easier and less expensive. You can buy a set of ARP small block chevy screw ins from Summit Racing online for about $50.

I imagine a shop should charge about $50 to remove and tap yours.

Good luck.