Yeah after market rods aren't available right now and would tack on an extra 2k to the budget. Beehives would also add an unacceptable amount to the budget given my modest power goals. Really trying to keep this reasonable.

There used to be a cryo outfit in town but seems to be out of business. Machine shop can shot-peen the rods for an additional 90 dollars. I think stock forged rods can handle the power I'm after, it's more a concern over the possibility of fatigue related failure given their mileage.

Added oil cooler and pickup tube to the list as, per this post from @cleatus12r , those parts cant be reliably cleaned after metal in oil https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20267811

Is this a surface issue? I would assume if the heads and block were surfaced to be in specification for smoothness the gasket should hold up similar to factory?

 

‘Seasoned’ head gaskets are STUCK to the heads and seal better than virgin HG’s.

The rule of thumb has historically been +40psi of boost means headstuds are recommended.

You are not likely to see that. Especially with conservative tuning and driving.

 

By the way, anyone have experience with Irate Diesel's headstuds?

Made overseas and tested here it seems. They're charging 299 for em which is similar to the "Tracktech" brand I've seen around. ARP studs are going for stupid money these days if you can find them, so I'd rather not go that route if I can.

 

it seems to me there are several places selling the same Headstuds for varying prices​​​​​. I looked around a lot this winter for Headstuds. I bought a set from swag performance off their website for $209. I just looked and they are still the same price. The description is identical to the one you just quoted from irate. I have seen the identical packaging on 4 or 5 websites all at different price points. My .02c is that we are probably getting taken to the cleaners by some vendors for the same head studs. I put mine in last week.

 

Hah yeah the description is the same except the branding is different. Xotic is also using similar verbiage in their descriptions:

I'm guessing a lot of these places are sourcing them here: https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...054856160.html and slapping their name on the package.

You feel confident in the ones you got?

 

You shouldnt need head studs with your goals. If you do want them only one name has a proven record of quality,ARP. A bit costly, and hard to find. Cncfab and Riffraff have a few in stock right now https://cncfab.us/i-30497569-arp-hea...-250-4201.html


https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/arp-7-3l-headstud-kit/
I would also say if you are doing springs go with beehive springs and not cheap comp 910, you could source the parts + spacers in pic below and try and save money

 

Alibaba? For reals? Stay far away from anything sold on that place.

 

I just checked our warehouse and we have three sets of ARP.

 

You can find some of the strangest **** for sale on alibaba.

 

I guess I can always put in studs later if the need arises. You don't think there'll be lift with hot tuning and the stated turbo/injector combo? What's your reasoning behind the beehive springs over the 910s?

Is there a "desperate FTEr who needs injectors+studs package deal" discount? X D

Funny enough I've gotten a decent amount of espresso gear from there. Definitely less mission critical than an engine.

 

No taxes or shipping charges

 

You shouldnt need head studs for 160/30 injectors. It is easiest done with engine out, but unless you feel you will go bigger then really no need.

Ask AA his opinion on comp 910 or even the melling lpop, he will use a term of “junk” use behives and an oem lpop

I wont go that far and say they are junk. I have zero issues with either on my zf6 truck. It ran 180/30 and a 364.5 then a 363 towing heavy in hot tunes otherwise a stock engine with 300k now.
I do feel the 910s opperate too close to bind with where they are normally shimmed. The beehive are a better design and offer some peace of mind, at least imo

 

I don't forsee going bigger with injectors, but I do see VGT or ebooster in say 5+ years, depending on how charted that territory becomes. But that's a ways enough off that it's probably best to be frugal and use stock headbolts for now.

I have a lot of respect for AAs opinion, so if he thinks it's worth the extra money I'll take his word. Really curious why he isn't keen on the Melling...

Do the beehives require shims?

 

I shall do my best to get it sorted by the time you are ready to get one.