billk, Thanks for the info on my valve clearance problem.Question-When I put the block together I used arp main studs and since then heard pros and cons about align honing the main bores when using these.Whats your opinion(or anybody else who reads this)Since i got to take the block down to get the pistons flycut anyway nows the last chance to do it before i put it back together for the final time.

You do not need to align hone because you are using studs. Now if you replace the caps, or there is black death in the main web area, signs of a main bearing spinning, then it is mandatory. Most small blocks don't need this unless you are building an all out high rpm unit. Now, the rat is different, I do every rat block on GP, never saw one that didn't need it.

Wally
Gold #67

thanks wally,one of the guys i work with knows everything about anything and after listening to his bulls#*t over and over I almost started to believe him.he says studs will not work without align honing period.I have used them in the past with no problems

[This message has been edited by turbodave (edited 06-25-99).]

turbodave, AFAIK, the only thing you've got to watch out for is if the studs' larger diameter start interfering with the caps' fit in the block. The caps are not supposed to be *located* by the studs. You'll notice that the stock bolts are necked down to avoid this. I've had them to where the cap had a hard time to go down in the recess in the block with the studs in. My take on the deal is: if you can screw the studs in all the way to the bottom with your fingers with the caps on and seated you're probably OK.

Tom

Dave,
Wally and Tom have it on the money. The only thing I would like to add, and this is in the ARP instructions, is that you should not tighten the studs in the block with any kind of tool. Just screw them in by hand until they stop and back them out about a half turn. The reason for this is to allow the studs to center themselves as you tighten the nut.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100