StaggeredMK4's MKI GTI Teardown & Build Thread......

[kompressorgolf]

There are two types of head studs, regular and undercut., not sure what it meant myself, so i didnt get those. MEGASQUIRT can be the cats ass, it just takes more finageling. and lots of online tudoring. its worth it to go SDS in my opinion. so far, it cant be faulted on my end.

[Rennwagen1]

undercut means that they are shorter for using thinner headgaskets for bumping compression, I beleive.

[kompressorgolf]

yeah, thats it.

[76scirocco]

Undercutting refers to cutting down the bolt or stud to allow it to stretch more. The stretching allows it to retain its clamping strength through different heat cycles and the additional compressing of the head gasket over time.

[Rennwagen1]

shouldn't ARP studs NOT stretch? I thought that was the whole reason to buy them, so you could reuse them?

[76scirocco]

Straight out of ARP catalog "Most applications have undercut short bolts that can help eliminate head gasket failures through providing more ''stretch'' to compensate for the additional compression of gaskets." "You will also note that ARP offers specially undercut studs for several engines. This procedure (done only to the shorter studs) more
equalizes the “stretch” of both studs, which makes for a more consistent clamping force – and one that compensates for head gasket
compression when the cylinder heads are installed. This helps prevent blown head gaskets, and assures optimum engine sealing!"

I'm guessing this means it makes short and long studs "stretch" the same amount.

[Rennwagen1]

huh. oh well.

[kompressorgolf]

There will always be a bit of give, they just allow for more even compression. ill give you a tip on installing them though, put the head on the block first, then screw in the studs make sure you have a little wiggle room. if you install them first without the head, it can be a real bitch to get the head to slide down and seat, trust me

[sneakyboy1]

Some tear down pictures of the ABA.
Got it down to the block, crank and 3 pistons.



Fun time getting flywheel bolts loose


Got er on the engine stand finally! Time to go to work!!!


Head off




Cross hatching still looks really good though!








More to come soon.

[kompressorgolf]

looks nice and clean in there too. thats a great start. should take to boost well! i see the GTI off to the side there!