[john walker's workshop]

you should not have to split the case to remove the studs. just start out renting or borrowing a oxy/acetylene rig so you can get enough heat in the area in a short (30 seconds) period of time, instead of screwing around with propane or mapp gas for hours with mixed results. a good "while you're in there" (sorry), would be some ARP rod bolts, which can be done without splitting the case.