ARP Head Studs
While our truck is performing better than we expected for a motor with 230,000 miles on it, we still want to keep this thing running for a while yet. Our new injectors and turbo system are helping the truck produce around 37-38psi boost pressures, numbers that put us ever so close to that threshold of lifting heads and blowing head gaskets-something we don't really want to happen, as that means pulling an engine and spending some major coin on repair bills. To prevent that situation we called up our friends at Automotive Racing Products (ARP) and ordered up their head stud kit for the 7.3L Power Stroke.
The factory head bolts while effective on a stock to mildly hopped up truck will do okay, they are no match for the higher boost pressures we're seeing. The higher tensile strength studs from ARP will do a much better job of keeping all that boost and cylinder pressure where it belongs, in the cylinders. Install isn't terribly tough, just time consuming. Torqueing 36 different studs in three sequences up to 125ft-lbs. will definitely make you sore for a few days. They can be installed with the engine in the truck; it requires removing the valve covers and injectors to gain access. You'll also have to loosen the motor mounts and jack either side of the engine up in the chassis to gain the room needed to install the very back studs, but it can be done. Take your time and be sure to follow ARP's torque specs for a proper seal.