I know it's been discussed at length but I am getting ready to do the head gaskets on the 4.6 in the 99 D1.

I am going with the Victor Reinz gaskets, new hoses, thermostat, kingsborne wires, and plugs. The big thing I'm still back and forth on is stretch bolts or ARP Studs.

I am really leaning towards the studs I like them better from an ease of use stand point and familiarity with that style of set up. I of course have read the horror stories people have posted as well. In my experience they are a solid option especially when you do the prep work with chasing the threads in the block, cleaning them out etc.

So what is your experience?

 

Around the time ARP released a rover specific set I was building a high compression 4.6 and used them since the engine was going to have higher cylinder pressures than stock. I followed the directions, and whatever torque value was on there seemed really sketchy at the time. II think I've got almost 70k on that build and am about to drive it halfway across the country so I guess it worked out ok.

Prior to that engine I'd always used TTY bolts with only 1 issue. It was a new engine (yes, new) that when I put it together had an undetected slow coolant leak into cyl 1. first week or so it hydro locked when trying to start, fortunately nothing bent and I was only out time and 1 head gasket. I suspect a defective gasket seal around the coolant passage.

I put together a standard compression 4.6 last year and was going to do standard TTY bolts. I went through 2 sets of bolts from different suppliers and none had the correct tapered section for the yield to work correctly. I had D&D sleeve the block so I asked what they recommend. They have their own ARP bolt set thats a little different than both the buick and rover sets. I went that route. The lengths were a little better matched and the nuts were different compared to the standard ARP rover set. About 10k on that engine, its the daily driver.

My current engine project is a questionable 4.0 that ran for about 10 minutes after purchasing before bending all the pushrods. Its getting TTY bolts. I found a correct set and it was about double the cost of the previous incorrect sets went for. The brand name escapes me right now.

so I guess I'd go D&D stud kit if this is a complete rebuild, or bolts if you're just doing heads. Just make sure the bolts aren't the cheap junk most suppliers are selling these days.

Almost as important, do your self a favor and upgrade to the later exhuast bolts if that one still uses the bolts and keeper tabs. Then follow the torque settings in the D2 rave exhaust section.

 

I have a feeling I will be replacing every exhaust manifold bolt on the motor they all look crispy. This is just head gaskets and refreshing the upper end gaskets. I may toss some new injectors in it as well.

I was unaware D&D had their own kit of studs