KA head studs?

[gwong]

I'm about to re-install my head after blowing and replacing a head gasket on my KA24DET.  I figured I might as well replace the stock head bolts with ARP studs.  However, I haven't talk to anyone that's done this, so I just want to make sure I'm making a smart decision here.  Any input would be appreciated.

[nos240]

also what would be a good head gasket that's cheap and strong for turbo and nos application?

[wherezmytofu]

just find a machine shop to make you a copper head gasket....it much cheaper then buying from other places..most likely...and copper can not blow!

[ka24detkyle]

Yeah...I had the studs in my DE block ready to go and as i was putting the head on
when i realized something that wasn't considered. The nuts won't fit on the
stud...after the head is lowered into place. That's because the top of the stud is
positioned in a tight spot which doesn't allow enough room for the nut to be placed
on the stud. Kinda picture it as trying to slip a bolt in a slot that's about 1/8
to short.

The way to make it work is to put the washers and nuts on the head (over the bolt
holes). Then lower the head onto the studs.You'll notice that the head will not
lower completely into place because the nuts don't have enough head room to allow
the head to be completely lowered on the block. you'll then have to thread the nuts
on the studs little by little until the head is completely lowered, then torque the
nuts.

If studding the KA24E engine thei the studs are no problem...it's just hte DE that's the problem.

Back to the KA24DE...
Now with all that being said...you can use studs, but putting the head on and
taking the head off will be a MAJOR pain if anything needed to be removed later. Because
remember when removing the head...you can't completely unthread the nut without
lifting on the head some.

All this might be hard to follow, but trust me...do what Andy as Specialty
Engineering (Nissan's Yoda) said and use the 10mm OE head bolts.

Just my $.02

Kyle Bennett

[gwong]

Thanks, that was great info.  I'm glad I found out before I went and pursued this idea.  Anyhow, I'll just use my OE studs then.

[gwong]

Thanks, that was great info.  I'm glad I found out before I went and pursued this idea.  Anyhow, I'll just use my OE studs then.