Cat head studs?

I dont think cats have a problem with stretching head bolts.
The issue mostly rides on liner protrusion being set correctly at inframe time.
But if your truly in the 1200 hp range you could probley stand all the help you can get to make it live.

 

Studs won't work in specific spots on the head, arp makes a head bolt kit for these engines, that's what guys use in high HP pullers and you will be about 1/3 of their power.

I would send your head off to be ringed and have the relief cuts filled, be probably the last time you do anything to it.

 

I will second that, had mine ringed and relief cuts filled and a set of ard head bolts, best thing I ever did. In the pic you can see the stainless steel ring Imbedded in the head with the relief cuts filled in.

 

Are there only certain shops that will do this to the head? I presume Cat won't. Is it beneficial for all Cat heads or only the Acert?

 

I didn't say studs, please read. I said they make head bolts.

 

You can see the ARP stamped into the head on these.

 

It is beneficial to all heads as it ensures the liner is clamped to the fullest amount and can't move around in the counter bore.

 

Dito, it is an ole drag car trick that has been around forever. Cat won't do it. It will void any warrenty on any head, but headgasket issues will go away. You also have to seal around edge of the tin plate that goes between block and spacerplate with a very thin line of anaerobic sealant on both sides of tin plate. Also tourqe headbolts (only ARP) TO 400 FT LBS. I recommend getting an aftermarket head from diesel cast welding in Mn. It will be better quality than cat and no core is needed. I bought mine from a place in MI and the valve guides were junk. Place in MN installs their own parts.