Head Studs Stretching?

[OneFastEclipse]

I currently have a setup that I could run quite a bit of boost with but the only thing keeping me from it is the fact that I hear factory head studs are weak. Does anyone know their actual breaking point? I am running 21psi on them now and they seem to be ok, just every now and then when I get a spike of 22-24 I get worried. Is there anyway to tell they are reaching their limit before hand? I hear some people running 25+psi on them and then the next guy not getting above 19. I have done a compression check on the motor and it is getting great numbers (190 across the board) so the motor is in nice shape. Thanks!

 

[Mike1992]

I honestly wouldn't worry until something happens. Worst case scenario is your HG blows right?

 

[ddavisaf]

With compression numbers like that I wouldn't worry about head bolts. Just go in and make sure they're still torqued correctly every now and again.

 

[OneFastEclipse]

K cause today I hit 24psi and good lord it feels good. Not a single hick up. Just hope I'm not pushing my luck.

 

[crunchymilk]

with a stock headgasket you're really not supposed to go past 21psi.

However if you plan on upgrading the HG anyway and you're gonna pull the head, I don't see why not.

Every motor is different, but if you really can't afford to lose a headgasket right now, then keep it at 20 IMO

good luck either way.

 

[Defiant]

K cause today I hit 24psi and good lord it feels good. Not a single hick up. Just hope I'm not pushing my luck.

Oh, you are. Worry more about it stretching than the studs.

 

[CorvetteBoy]

Like Defiant said, your pushing your luck, and stretching is what you need to worry about.

If you really wanna go high boost you'd better invest in some ARP Head Studs. Stock head gasket should be ok on 21-24psi just so long as the bolts don't stretch and your on a good state of tune.