Anyone changed to studs (DOA kit) instead of using the head bolts for the 3vze? I'm looking at a HG replacement and don't plan on doing it again any time soon. Will studs help prevent further probs? Any tips when installing studs?

 

Yes the studs should help the problem from happening again.

 

I use studs whenever I can. Heads, bearing caps, etc.

 

Whenever I teardown an engine, I replace the head bolts with ARP studs.....

 

Apparently, the consideration for the v6 with studs is being able to get the heads off again. On a series of posts on alt.autos.toyotas.trucks somebody did the HG on their v6 and I had suggested the possibility of using studs. When they did the job, it was their opinion that it could wind up being impossible to get the heads off again without pulling the motor due to clearance issues in the engine compartment. I thought you could probably double nut the stud and pull it out, but they felt that there wouldn't be enough enough thread exposed to get two nuts on it.

 

If you go with studs, get "broached" studs.

The broached studs have a allen hex cut into the top of them that will allow you to remove the stud in the event you need to pull the head while the engine is in the vehicle. In that case you will need to remove the studs before the head otherwise you can not lift the head up high enough to clear the studs without hitting the firewall.

Gadget

 

Me too. I am having ARP head studs installed on my Celica's engine.