ARP head studs for FE's ????

[Thomas C Potter]

Does anyone know of any surprises when using ARP head studs on 390/428s?? Rocker shaft interference, anything?? I learned the hard way about ARP main studs and interfrence at rear of oil pan. Thnx.

TP in VA

[Joe Walsh]

Are you using stock Ford FE rocker shaft set-up??

They are known to break the rocker shaft ends when used with agressive/high lift cams because the last set of rockers are out on the unsupported end of the rocker shaft.

When my brother and I built our Shelby 427 FE, we used Shelby's rocker shaft set-up.
It has an extra shaft support stand on the ends of the rocker shafts to help stop the shaft ends from flexing.
We also used head studs and they did not interfere with the Shelby rocker shaft system.

[GreekGod]

You will need to set aside 2 or 3 hours on the Ford FE <fordfe.com> forum to read up on ARP head studs! Of course, head studs mean difficult or impossible head removal in many chassis without removing the engine first. I think they are the best to use in most cases.