Hi All, had a quick question while i have the motor apart for the cam swap I was thinking about going to head studs.(Was planning on runningg a small shot of NOS at some point). Anyway, had a couple of questions...

1)Heads are l-98 on my ZZ4....Do I need to machine the heads in anyway to accept ARP studs, or is it a drop in thing?

2)I was going to go with a much thinner heads gasket (From what I understand the stock gaskets on these motors are excessive)...I am at 10:1 now, how will an increase in compression effect my mild duration cam cut on a 106 LSA?

Thanks
Chris

every .01 thinner on the gasket will raise your static comp .25

Assuming your zz4 uses "standard 350 specs" (4x3.48, 64cc chambers, .025 deck, 4.1 x .039 gasket) and also that I'm correct in guessing your cam is a comp 270h....

gasket....static....dynamic
.039"......9.47:1......7.79:1
.025"......9.78:1......8.04:1
.015".....10.02:1.....8.23:1

With felpro 1094's (.015") you should be fine on pump PREMIUM

With an 025" gasket quench will be a little big, but it will run on midgrade 89 with no problem.

Note all my calc's based on pistons .025" in the hole, check your deck ht. before you buy gaskets!

Although no direct experience with those heads, studs should be a drop in deal.
If you are only planning on a small shot of nitrous, a good set of bolts is all thats needed. Studs are nice, but take into consideration in car head removal is a major PIA usually, and you need to remove parts to do so.
IMO unless you are going big with the nitrous, like well over 250 horse, you won't need them. Invest in good bolts, a good gasket and make sure the surfaces are good, and you'll have no worries.

Just butting in here,,, If you have a ZZ4, that tells me that you may have alloy heads? if so, use caution when selecting head gaskets as some are not compatable with aluminum heads. I think L98 is what I had on my ZZ3 so , be careful therey.. I did change gaskets once but used thinnest GM had available. 10105117 @ .028

Fel-pro's #1094, .015" thick rubber coated steel shim headgasket's should be fine with aluminum heads.

pdq67

Thanks for the responses!!

Fyi you will need the ARP kit for the L98 aluminum heads it comes with hardened washers.