ramonspeed

I need to get a set of head bolts for my 1994 mustang (302) with AFR 185 heads. When shopping for bolts I found that the price is about the same for studs and bolts (7/16" to 1/2" stepped bolts). Can anyone help me with this decision? I am leaning towards the studs but think that there might be clearance issues with the brake booster when installing the heads. Are head studs practical for my application?
BTW I drive the car regularly on the weekends and run all accessories and I don’t plan on tearing the engine down frequently.

AdderMk2

head studs will always produce a more even torquing than head bolts

so take it for what its worth

Gary H

The problem with studs is that you may not have enough room to get the heads on with the engine in the car. Either way, make sure you oil the bolts to get the right torque and put sealer on the lower bolts that go into the water jacket.

68CSTANG

My 68 has head studs and I do have to pull the motor to take the heads off. But, I still believe studs are a much better route to take. I dont know if you will have the same issue as me tho.

ramonspeed

Thanks for the responses guys! I think that I will be going towards studs since this will give me more reliability with my boosted aplication. Has anyone had to remove heads on a 1994 302 mustang with studs.I am specificaly worried about clearence issues with the removal of the headsin the future if needed.

ramonspeed

I decided to go with studs. BTW the heads do slide on to the studs with the engine in the car and clear the shock towers/ brake booster so I wont have to remove the engine next time I need to tear the top end apart.

stang8689

Studs ATW

5spd GT

Studs are more ideal for boosted applications.

Bolts work fine for N/A combos.

You can install the upper studs and slide the heads on, and if you can then screw-in the bottom studs in.