Upgrading to head studs might be a bad idea

We've pushed the Duramax L5P and many other engines over 1000 hp on stock internals and stock head bolts. Gale Banks explains how the stock head bolts and head gasket work together to reduce the stresses in the block and the head compared to an aftermarket head stud system. Many engine builders upgrade to head studs to protect the engine from head gasket failure, but without the cushioning the stock head bolts provide, there's a greater risk of damaging the actual block. On your next engine build, are you using head studs or head bolts?

2020-2023 L5P Power Pack: https://bnks.pw/44FEi8V

2020-2023 Derringer Tuner https://bnks.pw/3j9oiug

2024 Derringer Tuner: https://bnks.pw/40i8jcM