Last Updated on April 8, 2022 by Atiqul Islam
Engine assembly is one of the trickiest jobs in the world. And if you’re a DIY enthusiast, then you know the importance of proper head studs.
To put it into perspective, the best head studs for 6.0 Powerstroke will put your mind at ease by allowing proper alignment. For precise torque loads with consistent bearings, head studs with the best possible metrics is a must.
With that said, we would like to point out that not all our options will make it to your wish list. Still, the best ARP head studs should help you out on your enthusiast journey. We do have an MTC option in the mix as well.
So, let’s see if they make the cut.
Recommended top head studs for 6.0 Powerstroke
1. ARP 250-4202 Stud Kit
Overview and Construction
We’ll start off by stating:
ARP is one of the leading brands in head stud manufacturing.
Do you think that’s a bit of an overstatement?
Well, we certainly don’t feel like it. Because the makers at ARP have created a very strong product lineup. As a matter of fact, top of the line racing vendors is one of their loyal customer bases.
So, the ARP 250-4202 stud kit should be a solid head stud kit, right?
Absolutely.
The black oxide head studs get through rigorous treatment in order to withstand heavy abuse.
The heat treatment at 200000-PSI creates the unbreakable studs for your engine heads. In order to strengthen the bond, thread rolling comes into play.
In short, the build quality doesn’t disappoint at all.
Performance and Installation
The centerless ground process is a major concern to the folks at ARP. In order to get it right, you get 10 cuts that help to build arrow-straight studs.
It’s one of the major advantages you get with the ARP head studs, as they seamlessly position the gasket and cylinder head. There’s no need to pry something in forcefully. It’s all in the procedure.
Extreme fatigue strength is another strong point of the ARP 250-4202 stud kit. Because of the thread rolling, the studs get 1000% more strength than your average stud.
In short, you will have no complaints about the performance.
Why is it one of the best head studs?
So far from what we’ve seen from the performance and build quality, it should be a no brainer.
And that’s exactly what it is.
So, the ultimate decision rests with you now. You should at least check it out for yourselves.
Pros:
- Features a dark oxide outer coating.
- Vehicle-type fitting.
- Superior 8740 alloy construction.
- 200,000-PSI heat treatment.
- Thread rolling treatment enhances weakness withstanding capabilities.
- Accurate tolerance ensured.
Cons:
- High price tag.
2. ARP 247-4202 Stud Kit
Overview and Construction
The ARP 247-4202 Stud kit is another potent stud kit for the auto enthusiasts. At this point in time, we are sure you have a very good idea of what you’re dealing with.
Let’s start with the build quality of the ARP 247-4202 Stud kit.
As always, it’s a robust stud kit (no surprises there). The heat treatment at high pressure along with the thread rolling makes it an unforgiving part for your engine.
Overall, strength shouldn’t be a major concern if you are tensed about it.
Performance and Installation
As far as the performance goes, the treatment which the kit goes through should be more than enough to tell you the full story.
But we cannot forget to mention the centerless grounding process, which eases the gasket and cylinder head placement. It’s one of the prime traits of these ARP stud kits, which make them such formidable competitors in the market.
Why is it one of the best head studs?
So, if we were to sum it all up, then we have 8740 alloy metal construction, proper heat treatment for optimal tensile strength, and centerless grounding to think about.
These features pretty much tell the entire story of this head stud. We will leave the final decision up to you.
Pros:
- Exact tolerance match ensured.
- Aircraft quality construction.
- 8740 metal alloy build, super sturdy.
- Heat-treated at 200,000-PSI for optimal performance.
- Thread rolling procedure eliminates weakness.
- Vehicle-type fitting.
Cons:
- Pricing is steep.
3. Head Stud Kit for Ford Powerstroke Engines
Overview and Construction
MTC, one of the top head stud manufacturers have come up with an offering of their own.
Because of the feature set, we see fit to keep it in our head studs Powerstroke review.
Let’s start with the build quality first.
As always, we won’t throw something at you that wouldn’t hold its own. And thankfully, the MTC kit doesn’t disappoint.
The construction features the best metal alloy MTC has to offer. Although the structural integrity isn’t the absolute best, it’s still a decent value for the money.
Performance and Installation
In order to reunite the cylinder and gasket, you need the right head stud that to make accurate contact.
And this Head Stud kit for Ford Powerstroke Engines doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to the accurate design and tolerance levels. Also, the fact that it fits almost all Ford models feels like a bonus feature.
Why is it one of the best head studs?
To put it in simple terms, the MTC head stud kit comes with two distinct advantages:
Compatibility and value.
If these features matter to you, then you may want to take a look at it.
Pros:
- The heavy-duty metal builds.
- A 20-piece, 12-pt head stud kit.
- Highly suitable for Ford 6.0-liter Powerstroke engines.
- Competitive pricing, good value overall.
Cons:
- Structural rigidity needs more work.
Closing Thoughts
The options we have as the head studs for 6.0 Powerstroke check almost all the boxes there are in terms of performance.
But there is the possibility that you’d want to go with a different brand or model. And that’s understandable.
If you wish to do so, then you must ask for a second opinion from a fellow user. It should give you a better understanding of what you’re getting into.
Good luck.