i was reading my instructions that came with the arp head and mains bolts, it says install hand tight, or loctite them in for a permanent fit??? does it matter if you just chase out the threads and give then a little tweek with the allen key and torque the nuts at the correct specs?

Shouldn't matter. Just don't reef on them.

I wouldn't hit them with locktite. The clearance in a 70's A-Body to install the head isn't there with the studs installed. It's a whole lot easier to set the head first, then put the studs in.

2¢

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Never had that problem, but I mocked my head up before committing to loctiting the studs...once things looked good I loctited the studs in place tightened with an allen key with a "twist of the wrist"...made sure the loctite didn't "goo" over the deck, put the head gasket on, set the head, then followed the instructions for torque...

Mock up and pre-planning is about 70% of the fight in reassembling an engine....

Note that you will have to apply some good heat if you decide to take the studs back out if you have to have the block redone....

-D.Idiot

I always remove the hood
Frank

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