Thread: Head studs SS or high tensile steel what woud you use

high tensile would be immensely preferable over stainless steel.

stainless bolts no matter what grade will bind, grab and stretch no matter what lubricant you try to use.

As above in my opinion also. HT all the way

Do not use SS. It is weaker than HT, will work harden and crack. Altogether a quite unsatisfactory material for head bolts, or any other critical high load application, especially one with cyclic loading (i.e. every time the cylinder fires!)

John

Speak/email ARP's help dept. If they don't already have a product then they will still advise suitability. Have the dimensions (threads, LOA, thread lengths etc) and they can look up what they have as stock items they can make a kit up from. They are very helpful. It might be as easy as just having them coated with something, perhaps ceramic along the length that is exposed through the jacket.

Thanks all HT it is

Originally Posted by scott oz

Thanks all HT it is

Chromium alloy steels (stainless, in the vernacular) are not a replacement for heat treated high tensile bolts or studs. They may be used for non-critical purposes like holding on accessories. Popular with restorers as they don't go rusty whilst their trailer queen is sitting in the shed unused. Use only Grade 5 or 8 bolts/studs for critical fasteners. You can get stud kits in high quality material from numbers of after-market suppliers in the USA.

apart from the strength side of things...isnt the head made from alluminium? from what I know SS and alluminium dont mix well.

cheers,
Serg

Stainless steel bolts typically have the equivilent strength of mild steel, so for head retention I would definitely use high tensile bolts.

Ron.