Rb26 Head Stud Hex Size

[ido09s]

I have tried searching but cant find anything easily

What size hex socket do i need to remove standard RB26 head studs? Got some ARP's i want to install and am hoping to buy the socket prior to pulling the car apart. I know it needs to be a long reach one but cant remember what size it is

Brad

Edited May 1, 2014 by ido09s

[XKLABA]

Brb

[GTRPSI]

You mean the head bolts, if so 10mm.

Edited May 1, 2014 by GTRPSI

[iruvyouskyrine]

RB20/25/26/30 all 10mm

[XKLABA]

The factory head bolts on a RB26 are 10mm Allen key, hex key

[iruvyouskyrine]

Also it's not a standard socket, it's a hex bolt socket. Kincrome ones are about $14

[ido09s]

thanks guys, much appreciated.

I know its an allen key type socket and needs to also be a longer one, i just had no idea what size the allen key was.

[Ben C34]

Can always take cheap/stuck at home option and cut allen key and insert into socket.

[XKLABA]

Can always take cheap/stuck at home option and cut allen key and insert into socket.

Haha I've done that, more then once

[ido09s]

I found an allen key socket easily enough to not have to worry about that:)

My next question, and this is going to sound dodgy, is can i get all the head studs out without taking the cams out?

There is nothing wrong with the motor so i am hoping to swap the standard head studs for the ARP ones while the head is in place Its been 5 years since i have done an engine and something tells me i cant get one of the back head bolts out with the cams in place.

I have also read a few stories where they recommend torquing the head down to the same tension as changing it may distort the block and change the bore shape..... what are peoples thoughts?

[zebra]

Head can come off with the cams in place

[XKLABA]

Yes, the cams have reliefs for removing the head bolts without taking out the cams, the very back ones are a pain but can wiggle out so do them first, not sure how you are going to go getting the stud nuts back on though

The same tension on studs put more clamping force then the bolts do and may distort an already settled HG

I think it can be done but not something I would do, the 26 bolts are pretty strong and unless your pumping massive power and boost I would shelve them and wait till it had to be done

[ido09s]

Its a decent build and has a 6766 on it. Makes 485rwkw on 25psi and E85 but i want some more but i dont want to lift the head.

[XKLABA]

What cams and head gasket have you got ?

[ido09s]

GReddy and a Tomei 1mm gasket

[XKLABA]

You may need to remove cams to get nuts on studs depending if the cams have big enough cutouts or not, it will be a try and see situation unfortunately

And also doing one at a time might be an idea as not to disturb the HG any more then necessary, also blow out each hole with a compressor

Other wise I can't see any reason why you can't do what your asking

[ido09s]

Was definitely going to be one at a time thats for sure. I know people that have done it on other engines so see now reason it wont work here. I just hoped i wouldnt need to strip it all down