I am pretty much confused as to what i should do exactly to get these heads on without any problems. I am using fel pro head bolts. I recently got my heads ported and polished, decked and surfaced, as well as a surface job on my block, therefore i really want this to be right! There are 2 ways so far that ive read to install these. The book really doesnt say much but heres what it says.

Make sure to tighten the bolts in sequence in three stages. Tighten the LH bolts in the sequence shown.
•Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
•Stage 2: Tighten an additional 90 degrees.
•Stage 3: Tighten an additional 90 degrees.

Now, the fel-pro head bolts came with a installation tip. Heres what it says.

Lubricate the underside of every bolt head with oil. Determine which bolts extend into the coolant passages. Those entering the coolant passages require pliable non-hardening sealer (high temp rtv??) on the threads. Those bolts NOT ENTERING the coolant passages require oil on the threads.

Torque Specs: Torque all bolts to 27-32 ft lbs
Rotate bolts 85-95 degrees
Back out all bolts a minimum of one full turn (360 degrees)
Torque all bolts to 27-32 ft lbs
Rotate bolts 85-95 dgrees
Finally, rotate all bolts an additional 85-95 degrees.


Basically should of went with arp head studs but i ran short of funds. Please let me know what you guys have done, that worked the best and didnt leak! No problems! Thanks!

 

I think the reason felpro tells you to back the bolts out then go at it again is because they aren't pre-streched. Haven't done the ford head, but i think i'd follow the bolt manufacturer specs. The 85-90 degree is the high and low limits, the same as the 90 degrees in the other specs.
But then again---free advice may be worth what you pay for it!!!

 

Yes, Follow Fel Pro's directions. Thats basicly the same as the service method for Ford factory bolt's. You don't have to be concerned with any bolts going into the coolant passages with these engines and jgger is correct the intital torque and loosening is to prestretch the bolts. Just make sure the mating surfaces are clean. No metal slivers, burrs or chips and if you wipe with a rag inspect for lint or rag material before installing the heads. The cleaner the better. Good luck.

 

Sorry but I gotta state the obvious: Do ALL the tightening and loosening in the prescribed sequence or you may damage your nice new heads.