Flange nuts for head studs
 

Has anyone used flange nuts in place of the barrel nut on head studs? The flange nuts are what Supertech and others use instead of barrel nuts. This would not replace the washers but be used with them.

I've used "reduced wrench size" nuts on some head studs to clear the lower plugs. No matter what nut you use it will probably produce a different tension on the head stud because the bottom of the nut will have a different friction than the factory barrel nuts.
Does it matter? I don't know.
-Chris

Chris,

Didn't think about the tension issue. Wouldn't the anti-seize that is recommended counter act that tension difference to some degree? I was thinking that the flange nut contact area would be about the same as the barrel nut. I am looking for flange nuts to replace the barrel nuts on the intake plenum like Ralph used. Just got me thinking about the head studs also. Have a few sources I am checking with for that.

Ive used them on a few engines.

ARP

On a related note, Neil Harvey at Performance Developments makes and sells some very nice head washers that look like hats. They have a snout that fits snugly in the head that reportedly reduces the tendency for the head to deflect or distort, which can cause loss of head torque. They require that a small counterbore be made in the head. The extensions on these washers prevent radial deflection around the hole by providing support in that direction.

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