Girdle or non-girdle head???

[wanderer1]

^that is a setup that works well and came about in the late 90's with the side loading on the cylinders from the pipes. Solid choice that really allows proper torque on base gasket separate from the head. I ran a Cool Head and a few RIVA heads with that bolt setup. I don't think a girdle would be needed for a correctly ported cylinder running a Factory Wet pipe or a lay down (WDK style) pipe. Aesthetically I prefer the non girdle head, looks clean to me.

 

[Vortex]

It's probably not a good idea to really torque those down, they will get stuck. I would think hand tight until it stops is all you need just like with the ada studs.

Can always replace Ada studs one at a time with factory cyl bolts for inspection