H-D says to use SE High Tensile studs for engines with greater than 10:1 compression.

Anybody had issues with stock studs??

Are they stretching like a rubber band even when set at proper torque and allowing the head to bounce around?

A friend is having trouble with MLS head gaskets and the dealer who installed them says they should have used the High Tensile studs instead of the stock units. I'm skeptical.

If there is a stud problem, couldn't you confirm it by measuring the length to determine stretch?

 

yes you can measuring the length to determine stretch, but I doubt that is the cast have done several builds set at 10.5-11.1 and not had any problems. I'm in the process of a 124 build and had the cases bored and had the cylinder studs replaced due to the stock ones were removed from the cases.

 

Stock studs are perfectly fine as long as they are in good condition.
Have run them over 12.5 to 1 compression without issue.

Maybe it was the prep work that was faulty. MLS needs clean, flat surfaces to seal.

 

stock studs will work, however if you go to replace them, because you want too or think you need too, buy S&S studs, they are about the same cost (last set i bought were actually $7.00 cheaper than HD) and the are made out of better material.