Joe, Ok I gave it a day of calming to respond to your comments. I will try to be civil here.
Thanks.
1 - First comment about why Dart and World products offer larger head bolt options (cause they got room to put them in there? Quote) WRONG!! they offer it because in extreme applications they are required!! Please see attached pics of my Stage 2 block with 1/2" holes and studs and tell me how the Hel? you figure there is not room??
1 Well; the application may require larger hardware; but Dart and World products actually have the room for this larger hardware. The BBC and 2.2 blocks were designed to accommodate larger than "stock" hardware.
Ok; so it fits. I don't think I ever said 1/2 inch bolts wouldn't fit. My long ago comment was that the blocks don't have adequate material for the 7/16 inch bolts; and that removing material from the block to install the 1/2 inch bolts would only aggravate this situation. You will also slightly reduce the thread contact of the 1/2 inch bolt in the old 7/16 hole because the 7/16 hole is slightly larger than the ID of the 1/2 inch thread; not to mention that the 7/16 is 14 TPI and the 1/2 is 13 TPI. I don't know what reduction in strength this offset will cause; but it can't help.
2 - Your example of intended uses of various engines is very interesting.
Engine------------Intended Use
BBC---------------Power
SB 2.2------------Race
Buick 3.8---------Buick Special economy, Jeep Jeepster ‘quote’
[BBC were produced in the 60's for passenger cars, modified versions now can produce over 3000 Hp.
SB2.2 is basically a 1950's SBC with modern technolgy cylinder heads, modified versions now can produce over 2000 Hp.
Buick 3.8 produced in the 60's for economy cars, modified versions now can produce over 1500 Hp and probably still hold the track record at the Indianapolis 500.
Please dont forget the Chrysler HEMI produced in the 50's for passenger cars, modified versions now power the quickest and fastest cars on the planet and can produce over 8000 Hp
So I hope you dont mind if I push past the design limits of a stage 2 block!!
2 I haven’t forgotten the HEMI's. I don't know that the 50's (Donovan introduction in 1971 I think; could have been 72) HEMI's are making 8000 HP yet; but the 60's (Keith Black late 70's) HEMI's are doing quite well. While both of these are based on the original Chrysler design; neither is a Chrysler product.
1&2 Backing up a bit; the BBC and the SBC were both designed with additional potential in mind. The longevity of both speaks to this. The Buick V6 was designed as a light-weight economy engine. That it excelled and survived is nothing short of spectacular. That doesn't overcome the shortfalls of the engine.
Yes; a Stage II block has more potential than the passenger version; but the fastener locations still limit clamping potential. You are more than welcome to push the limits of your block; but that wasn't your original question; "Anyone Tried 1/2" Head Bolts??"
3. third comment (This seems a case of; “When all you have is a hammer; everything is a nail.” I’m not sure that just because this is a fix you can make; puts it in the right direction.’quote’
In your finest moment PLEASE EXPLAIN what 1/2" studs can possibly hurt!! Secondly there is no hammer and nail concept going on here. You tell me one person in this Buick community that is (has been)pushing the limits that hasnt experienced head gasket issues?? Stock block or stage 2.
3 I guess this is what I get for quoting you out of context.
... A stout set of billet 6061 alum heads would certainly help this situation but I cannot afford that at this time , so a step in the right direction is to increase the size and strength of the head bolt fasteners and thats what Im doing!!
...
As you have eliminated the use of billet heads; your only solution is to use bigger studs. I don't see how this makes bigger studs as a step in the right direction.
I am somewhat saddened that this will account for my finest moment; but you have reduced the mass of the deck, and increased the load on the deck by using 1/2 inch hardware. These same decks seem to have trouble holding together with 7/16 hardware. Reducing mass and increasing load is not usually a successful solution to a clamping problem.
Hammer = you're not going to buy billet heads.
Nail = you're going to put in bigger hardware.
You've got me on the head gasket deal. I've lost them; along with valves, pistons, rods, cranks, blocks, heads, transmissions, drive gears, and lots of other pieces along the way. Looking back; the head gaskets were probably some of the best fuse material I've come across. Just like a fuse in an electrical system; it's a lot easier to replace a head gasket than a piston or a block.
4. fourth comment (I truly wish you the best of luck with this attempt; but as you’re way past the design limit for even a Stage II engine; there’s probably an expensive weak link waiting for you after the head studs hold fast.
I dont think anyone else is pushing this boost level!! But Instead of bailing out to a SBC , BBC ,or Hemi Im attempting to set the bar higher , and inform all of you of exactly what Im doing and what is possible.
4 My comment was true and sincere. I wish you no ill will on this project; and I hope it works out. Limits - fuse. Something will blow. I'm going to have to live with head gaskets a while longer. I don't like changing rods and pistons.
5. fifth comment (Keep us posted. I don’t run near that boost level; but I’d like to see how it holds up.
5 Just because I don't push my car to 60 PSI doesn't mean that I'm not interested to see what can be achieved. I appreciate that you have pushed the limit; and report your results. I've found other things to push on. Luckily; they have fuses also. Unfortunately; they cost a little more than head gaskets.
If I seem brash!! Its cause Im pissed!! Mike
Brash?
