Anyone use Stage V Replacement heads with larger head studs ..?
Can you just drill the heads for larger studs, or do you not need to?

help appreciated!?!..

thanks again Fred. I am about to order a KB block and the options are for larger studs.. I think I can go all the way to 9/16..
The engine will be blown 15lbs , expected peak output 1,100ftlbs & 1,500hp. Not expecting it will see that all the time though.
I am married to the Stage V Replacement heads (and they will support the power), as the chassis has been built around this setup (specifically the headers).

Larger studs seems like a good idea.. just wondering if the heads will fit or if they will need modification or if I should stick with std sizes.

Darren,
The 1/2" studs are more than adequate for your application. We rate the KB Street HEMI with 1/2" studs at 2,500 HP. The early blown fuel engines all had 1/2" head studs.

Aside from that we do not stock 9/16" studs for the lengths required for this set-up. I just received a quote from ARP for a customer of ours that needs a special set of studs for the heads he has. He is thinking of going from 7/16" to 1/2". The cost for just the studs is around $1,700.00. A set of 9/16" studs would be somewhere around the same price, 6-8 week lead time. If you have any other questions please let me know and I will get some answers for you.

Regards,
Ken Black

9/16 studs are Waaaaay overkill.

if SBF's are pushing upwards of 40psi through 10-7/16 head bolts i think you will be just fine with 1/2

thanks everyone, seems 7/16 or 1/2 may be adequate for my purposes. Ken I'll get back to you soon on the spec.
thanks again,

if i go with 1/2' in studs will I need to drill the heads..?

Darren,
If you already have the heads, then yes you will need to get them drilled for the 1/2" studs. If you are getting the heads from Stage V, just let them know and they will do it for you. Also you need to tell them that the heads are for a KB Block as the water holes are slightly different. They can drill the heads for these also. If you already have the heads there is a modification that needs to be done to them so they will work with the KB Block.