hinchcliffe

What MY's have the Head bolts imbedded in the block? Therefore the engine would have to be removed to get the heads off? How much extra time do you think it would take to replace Head Gasktes in the midst of a TB/WP replacement on an '87 S4?

Adam C

86.5 was the last year for head studs. According to the shop manual, heads can be replaced without pulling the engine on MY 87 and up. The studs were replaced with bolts - not as strong but far easier for maintenance.

aguk928

Replaced my head gaskets on an 85 Euro S2 without pulling the engine. Mine had studs. There are some great tips on the net for doing this job.

T_MaX

If there is room to double nut the stud, can't the stud be removed like a bolt?

hinchcliffe

Yeah, you could double nut, but do you really want to be removing those? Threads in Aluminum aren't the best to mess with unless you want to go back and Helicoil them.

BC

Just keep going curt. Just keep going. Its no problem - just remove the heads - its a good idea.

In fact, why don't you just pull the engine?

GlenL

It's the 85-86 32V engine that has the head stud issue. (IIRC!) Earlier cars with studs can be done just fine...after geting the goll-durned cam towers off!