Thinking about putting studs in the 6.9 i got for my truck I already have all the gasket except for the head gaskets from when I tore down my 7.3, was hoping it was a head gasket when I took it apart. Also what head gaskets should i get or does it matter? I would just throw it in but i want to put my 7.3 factory turbo valves in and IIRC you cant put the studs in with the engine in the truck. Plus with the summit whearhouse in sparks it shouldn't take long to get them.

 

Alos do i need to get the ARP asembly lube and thread sealant? From what I've seen depending on aplictation ARP will have you use one or the other or niether.

 

My kit came with moly grease lube. Been a while since I put my engine back together, but I think sealer is not needed on any of the head bolts since all of them are rooted in dry holes.

You can install the studs with the engine in the truck, but its a lot harder and in the end the performance will not be as ideal. If you can afford the studs, then now is a good time to put them in, but don't feel pressured to get them now and stretch yourself too far. Keep the boost at 8 PSI and with fresh head gaskets the engine will go for years without problems even with stock head bolts.

I've used felpro gaskets and they seem to be good. There was another brand on OBN that was mentioned that supposedly cleans off better and also holds just as well but I don't remember the name. Felpro gaskets do make a nasty mess when it comes time to replace them (granted thats not a problem if installed right).

 

I called summit and they had to order them from ARP so theres no way i can get them in time. I'm hoping to drop the engine in this weekend.

If they had been in stock it wouldn't take long from them to get here from sparks.

 

are you installing the 7.3 rockers. They are supposed to be better.

 

Yeah I was going to order my headstuds from Summit on Sunday but their ship date said April 10th so I didn't. I got them from Northern Auto Parts for less than $250 shipped. They had them in stock at that time.

Good luck on your your project.

 

Yup I'm going to use the 7.3 ruckers when i put studs in later I'm gunna put my 7.3 valves in too. I saw the northern auto parts thing but was going to go threw summit because if they had had them It would have taken a day to get here.

 

Keep the oil cooler too. The 7.3 IDI factory cooler is a better one than for the N/A.

 

Yeah and the 6.9 won't fit in my truck 4x4 versus industrial.

Any one know what plugs the CDR hole in the intake on the factory turbo trucks? there is noting in there on mine. Would what ever gose there have been removed when i pulled the turbo i can't remeber.

 

Never mind the pedistool pugs the hole just looked in my turbo update manual.

 

I think the pedistal for the turbocharger blocks that off.

 

check ebay for the studs, I got mine for less than 200! They can be installed with the motor in the truck. The drivers side rear most stud required me to conduct a little modification to the fire wall (i.e. beat the crap out of it until I made a big enough dent!). Good luck and enjoy!

 

My 86 with AC, there is no way you could install about 3 of the passenger side studs or get the stock head bolts out with the engine installed.

Drivers side, only one would give you any trouble.

 

I need to go get to work on this thing. I was up all night sick as a dog and today my head is killing me but I gotta go get to work.