Thread: Head bolt replacement

Just need a general idea on what you guys would do. Here's what happened:

Built a low compression VE motor for turbo. The original motor was a B15 RR block, and got a VE block and built it up with GTiR pistons n rods. New VE oil pump and everything, but one thing I didn't really think about too hard, I re-used the B15 RR head bolts, thinking, eh, they aren't too old. But, the car is smoking more than usual now but there's no loss of coolant, car stays cold all the time. Now, I just heard that re-using SR head bolts is a NO NO.

So, I really want to change out the head bolts before something goes seriously wrong. My thinking is to just take the head off, check the HG (VE metal), clean it up, see if coolant is leaking in anywhere. If coolant is leaking somewhere...??? If not, just clean her up, put the head back on using ARP head bolts and call it a day. BUT...if there is coolant leaking into the cylinders, then what? I wanna be prepared for this, just in case.

BTW, the car is on a street tune, so she's running very rich, but want to fix up all odds n ends before going to the dyno.

I'm thinking of also sending out a sample of the oil for analysis (royal purple 5w30, only ~1000 miles old) to see if there's coolant in the oil. This would be before even replacing head bolts, in case it's worse than I thought.

i wouldnt reuse a head gasket. get a new gasket and arp bolts and you should be solid.

True Pete

arp makes head bolts for SR? I thought all they made were studs.

never reuse a headgasket or bolts ever. how much power are you planning to make?

douche bag....you know what we ment

Just 300whp. Anything above that would be a bonus. (okay, maybe 350whp)

have you guys read the thread about the head studs lifting??

Ummm, SE-Rawkus, right? But that was like 500whp, I will re-read it tho. Insight in studs listed in there?

Don't use the ARP head studs you can find similarly priced alternatives that have a better design. Honestly the OE bolts are better. Someone F-ed up at ARP their studs are for iron blocks not aluminum. Try to find some that bottom out and distribute the load evenly across the threads. What are you power goals? The stock ones might be an option worth considering.

intresting. i was very close to buying arp studs for my build. simply for ease of use and its nice and easy to line up the gasket and head with studs on there. seems ill be useing new stock bolts.