OK after all the discussion here I have decided to buy a stud girdle ..... but which one ??

Solid Bar design like Comp #4021 at approx $250.00 to a similar loooking one always on e-bay for $114.00 Buy It Now http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7904510759&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Multiple bar style like Howards for about $169.00 or solid bar at 163.00
http://www.primediapowerpages.com/cgi-bin/ePages7.filereader?40c767b8002029d70000c0a801b8063 9+EN/catalogs/100216&2D101088

Are solid bar ones easier to adjust ?? which way should I go ??

All input appreciated Bill

I'd stick with the brand name over the ebay no name. Howards looks good and with your heads I wouldn't want something cheap. I have merlin heads that have the intake studs machined off a degree or 2 and wound up having to use a Moroso 4 bar type that I found on ebay. It was used but it solved my problem when I tried using a single bar type.

Howards looks like the best compromise but stil wondering if I should get solid bar or multiple bar style ...anyone else???

I have used Crane stud girdles in my last 327 and my current 427.They are a multi bar high quality unit . The Howards 13602 shown in your link is simular to the Crane.... If I ever have another use for another Stud Girdle I would not hesitate to use a Crane again.... Very simple to use and effective.

How tight do you plan on turning this motor? Under 6500 I'd say you don't need a girdle.

Hi Bill,
Only ones I have experience with are the multi piece & I liked them too. They were also Crane.

You might check with Brodix and see what they recommend for your heads. They might not take just any off-the-shelf girdle.

I agree you should check with the head manufacturer for a recommendation on brands that will work with your head. I run a 1 piece Comp Cams stud girdle and would NOT recommend it. It's a complete PITA to install and remove. Exhaust polys must be installed first, girdle positioned, then the intakes polys installed. A real hastle if you have a solid roller and need to check spring pressure periodically.

my $0.02

=
All the Brodix RR series, BB series -1,-2 etc have standard stud spacing & take a standard Rat stud girdle.
Brodix does not recommend the single piece one as their bosses are a little higher & thicker for strength & as such the tip of the stud being higher can make it a bit hard to get them on.

Thanks alot everyone ...appreciate that real world experience on the Comp solid versio Kjett and brodix info Mike looks like I'll go with a multibar one based info here .Thanks again everyone.

I run the crane multi-part one on my engine. I've taken it on and off a few times myself but its not a huge issue. The original machinist did have to "clearance" the girdle for a few of the rockers.. I am not sure why or what was going on, but a in a few spots the girdle was cut back a little bit inside to make room for the rocker.

Matt