LA small block,Do you put an oil passage in your head stud?

What do you do for oiling to rockers with head studs

  • Nothing run them dry

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • Sprayers in covers

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Open the passage

    Votes: 4 44.4%

  • Modify the head stud

    Votes: 2 22.2%
  • Total voters
    9
  • Poll closed .
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coloradohill said:
I just dropped a 340 off to an engine builder who seems to be very familiar with this scenario.

I will get his take on this; I haven't thought of it until reading this. This engine will have Edelbrock heads with Harland Sharp rockers and head studs.

Could you use a head bolt in place of a stud at the oil passage?
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My son did this 340 for a Demon with Edelbrock's . He put the recess in the studs. I am sure there are other ways to open this up. But the safest and easiest is to groove the stud. Doing it on a mill will be precise and a clean even cut with a rounded lead into the passage.

When we first had this done on our engine years ago. I was listening to Dave on the phone with ARP , Indy and T&D. After many different suggestions this is what Dave came up with.

Since then My son has done many studs for small blocks. Never had and issue for several years.

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The answer seems rather obvious to me & it would not be to notch a fastener & create a failure point. Enlarge the current hole in the head by 0.010". The hole is already larger than 0.5" to allow for stud/bolt clearance, but not knowing the actual OD, I used 1/2" [ 0.500"] as a reference. Going from 0.500 to 0.510" creates a gap increase equivalent to a 0.072" hole. Since the starting point is greater than 0.500", the hole size it creates will be considerably larger.
 
Bewy said:
The answer seems rather obvious to me & it would not be to notch a fastener & create a failure point. Enlarge the current hole in the head by 0.010". The hole is already larger than 0.5" to allow for stud/bolt clearance, but not knowing the actual OD, I used 1/2" [ 0.500"] as a reference. Going from 0.500 to 0.510" creates a gap increase equivalent to a 0.072" hole. Since the starting point is greater than 0.500", the hole size it creates will be considerably larger.
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That would work if you could insure the hole you drill with a drill bit and not in a mill would end up centered around the stud. Dave did think of that but the heads were new and cost Almost $4000.00 .
After talking to Indy on Warranty that decision was a no.

Then the next was re route the oiling. T&D said a spray oiler shouldn't be considered for use on the street with the spring tension we were using with their rockers and shaft.

ARP was called to see if they made a stud for this application. They did not but gave Dave the idea. So Dave Measured the stud shaft and then the inside of the threads and came up with this method.

Why cut the whole stud when a passage would be a more direct way to go. He had a bunch of studs so he did one and over torqued it and it held without an issue on a trial. So he did 2 of my new studs.

I never had a problem for over 8 years and used them over once and will use them again with 13.5-1 comp.

Why modify $4000.00 parts when you can modify a 2 of a $100 set of 20.

Yout method may work and there may be several others that would also work. This is the method my son is using on all heads Iron and aluminum.

He won't try and tell someone he is drilling their new heads and be responsible if they fail for any reason to replace them. Could you imagine what a head manufacture would say when trying to return them. Just thinking ahead when building engines with parts paid for by the customer.
Exactly what Dave did years ago for us. Don't take someones new heads out of the box and run a drill bit through them. If you own them I guess it would be your call.

But thanks for the input Its a chance it would work on your own heads.
 
I have run both eddy heads and x’s with studs. It was a concern for me. I put it together and spun up the oil pump. Turn the motor over and got oil to both heads. I also pulled the oil cap and watched the oil flow at idle. More than enough flow. 4-5 hundred runs ago. Comp rockers, no needles for me.
 
furrystump said:
I have run both eddy heads and x’s with studs. It was a concern for me. I put it together and spun up the oil pump. Turn the motor over and got oil to both heads. I also pulled the oil cap and watched the oil flow at idle. More than enough flow. 4-5 hundred runs ago. Comp rockers, no needles for me.
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If there’s a hole oil under pressure knows how to find it. Now if I was turning 9000 rpm and running low 8’s I would want to be positive every drop was going to the right spot. If I was only running 9’s I wouldn’t be shifting at 9000 rpm unless I was a super stock racer. And that won’t be happening.
 
12many said:
Nope. Advice in this case isn’t needed. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve got plenty of oil to the top end. I’m not alone.
Anyway, you are a racer (or former, immersed in it, or?) with access to all the tools to perform something that not everybody needs. You posted it in the small block forum where all levels of ability, performance levels etc visit. Not everyone is a racer, an engine builder, has a shop full of equipment. Yes there are quite a few racers or racer minded, builders here and they all know your mo, but maybe you should be more specific about performance levels this might apply to. That would be my unsolicited advice to you.
But, You only stipulated well into the thread that your example is a 13:1 cr engine that you spin to 9000rpm. You really think everyone needs to do what your talking about? And it’s incumbent upon the reader to be able to know just what level of performance you’re talking about? Come on. You don’t differentiate.
Not everyone needs to do what you’re posting about.
Many use studs for various reasons. Again, You come off like everyone needs to do this mod. Your poll doesn’t even have an option for “don’t need it, I’m good” or to that effect. You didn’t because you obviously think it needs to be done. It kinda shows a one track mind to me. I like perspective, it’s needed in this case.....IMO:)
.
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If your not building a performance engine then you won't need studs. If you don't need studs then this wouldn't apply to you. Just put your stamped steel rockers on and your good to go. Don't forget to install your timing chain tensioner and your High volume oil pump. LMFAO
 
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pittsburghracer said:
If there’s a hole oil under pressure knows how to find it. Now if I was turning 9000 rpm and running low 8’s I would want to be positive every drop was going to the right spot. If I was only running 9’s I wouldn’t be shifting at 9000 rpm unless I was a super stock racer. And that won’t be happening.
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This motor the shift light was set at 8000. I saw it at 9300 on the recall but that was not intentional. I was driving and it was still pulling I paid no attention to the light. My eyes were fixed on the path I was travelling .
 
Oldmanmopar said:
This motor the shift light was set at 8000. I saw it at 9300 on the recall but that was not intentional. I was driving and it was still pulling I paid no attention to the light. My eyes were fixed on the path I was travelling .
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What did it run on that pass.
 
Oldmanmopar said:
My son nor I did this to these studs. They were done buy a well known engine shop. We only copied what he showed us on our Engine. We didn't do the original build on the 416. But you must either be jealous or on drugs Why would say that ? I am only trying to help those that want to know. If you don't agree Keep it to yourself.
Why are some of you just total *** holes .

The 416 indy R-3 made 829@7900 at the crank . and we found some little things wrong after 8 yrs. that we are correcting. HTA built it, Ray Barton Funded it

The 428 Batten X-block made 593@7200 @ the crank. That engine from Shady Dell ate itself .

We build cars just like you all do. And we learn from others that teach us things we didn't know all the time. Some of you all will never learn anything because you are all wrapped up in your own ego trip.

I have Time slips. But then you will know. And what fun will that be if we ever meet up in Pa.

I haven't seen any one mention anything to correct the oiling problem that would be close to sensible. Compared to what Dave taught us. Teach me .
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After reading every single post in this thread, I am quite confused. In post #1 you say your son does it, post #28 you say yall do "every studded" smallblock you build, and then in post #43 you said yall didnt come up with the idea, I guess some guy named dave did. And you sorta seem all upset that the majority of responses have been along the lines of "its unnecessary" and now your angry. I mean, you started a poll, and when it didn't match your own opinions, that you ASKED for, you tell people to keep it to themselves. You come off as a angry, frustrated guy looking for attention.
 
replicaracer43 said:
After reading every single post in this thread, I am quite confused. In post #1 you say your son does it, post #28 you say yall do "every studded" smallblock you build, and then in post #43 you said yall didnt come up with the idea, I guess some guy named dave did. And you sorta seem all upset that the majority of responses have been along the lines of "its unnecessary" and now your angry. I mean, you started a poll, and when it didn't match your own opinions, that you ASKED for, you tell people to keep it to themselves. You come off as a angry, frustrated guy looking for attention.
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My son owns an engine shop now at age 37 . around 17 years ago we had our engines built at other shops. HTA- Dave and Ray Barton Racing- Ray and Dave. They are who I refer to that did our work .

We have our 428 and 416 engines a long time. Way before we had a our machine shop. My son now does all studs used on the LA engines in his machine shop on our property this way. This idea was thought of by several of us years ago. I'm am sorry if I confused your "brain" I just thought you and many would have known my son was very young when we first built this car . But he had input on the original build once I gave it to him at 16 yrs old.

I am not upset at all. Seems like you are the one that is having a brain fart. Because you have to constantly doubt everything you know nothing about. Instead of asking for an understanding of who is who, You just take things out of context and assume things.

Now that I had to explain to you who the Dave's and Ray are .Is your brain gaining any knowledge. And when I stated somewhere above that those with different methods that work . I would like them to post them. I am sure many do different things

This is what "we" do. and it is what works the best for my son for liability with the fix for this issue. Really! if you want to Chisel a grove in your head or your stud. Or run it without any oil at all that is your business. Don't confuse your self with things you don't agree with or understand. Friendly input deserves a respectful answer. Input like yours is just someone looking to swell their head. My Dad always said . If they can't Dazzle you with brilliance they'll baffle you with bullshit . He must have been referring to you.
I don't get angry. I just laugh at people like you.

Now write another story about who I am. I have nothing better to do but write a reply. And I love it.

Here is a picture of him at 17 and the car. and as it progressed in 20 years .

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Indy wouldn't know if you drilled one hole larger. That would be just normal quality for them ...LOL
 
Oldmanmopar said:
timing chain tensioner
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Aha, now I remember you from past threads you’ve posted in. You’re the infamous:

“Anti-Chain Tensioner Crusader” :eek:

And now that I think about it, I remember you replied to a question I posed to you and you replied to the effect: I sit in my chair at the shop and my son does the work, and I take pictures.....something like that? Was that about right?
Yes indeed.
Geez, how many “crusades” are you on now?? Three is it? :poke:
Gotta give you props for your faith and conviction. Know what you believe and why you believe it!:thumbsup:
 
Legend in his own mind......fixing problems that dont exist.....looking for attention and praise
 
replicaracer43 said:
Legend in his own mind......fixing problems that dont exist.....looking for attention and praise
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I don't fix anything. Everything I have and own is a figment of my imagination and what I do have it was given to me for free

Pay for a membership!
 
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12many said:
Aha, now I remember you from past threads you’ve posted in. You’re the infamous:

“Anti-Chain Tensioner Crusader” :eek:

And now that I think about it, I remember you replied to a question I posed to you and you replied to the effect: I sit in my chair at the shop and my son does the work, and I take pictures.....something like that? Was that about right?
Yes indeed.
Geez, how many “crusades” are you on now?? Three is it? :poke:
Gotta give you props for your faith and conviction. Know what you believe and why you believe it!:thumbsup:
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No you have it wrong . Its not a chair , Its a throne. And I don't take pictures . I have them taken while they feed me fresh fruit.
I was never infamous. To you I am famous and don't you forget it. But don't take it out on yourself that you forgot who your talking to. Its not you its the whole world that is screwed up.

Pay for a Membership!
 
Oldmanmopar said:
No you have it wrong . Its not a chair , Its a throne. And I don't take pictures . I have them taken while they feed me fresh fruit.
I was never infamous. To you I am famous and don't you forget it. But don't take it out on yourself that you forgot who your talking to. Its not you its the whole world that is screwed up.

Pay for a Membership!
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Sooooo......what you’re saying is.......you sit on a toilet out in the shop while eating prunes as you watch your son?? Gotcha!:poke::rofl:
 
You think you know everything. I don't use a toilet I wear Depends they are more convenient and they are not prunes they are very old grapes I got with the Duster in 1971.

But I am much more relaxed then you bouncing on a saw horse with a cucumber up your ***.
 
Hard to beat this site. We learned something that someone may need and there’s all this free entertainment too. Just remember most of us are Mopar loving guys and I’m betting 99 out of 100 times if we met each other at the track or car show we would laugh, have a beer or Pepsi, and be lifelong friends. Love you guys.
 
hmm, when i pulled my 318 i discovered it had head studs, i believe the guy just put them in and ran it, ive never had an issue, but then again i only took it to 7000 not 9000 rpm
 
I'm surprised someone hasn't just said to just leave the stud out ... LOL
 
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