I had made a post about this before but I have a diffrent question now..

I have a vanny 35ci block bored to 2.9 to fit the 44ci intek flat top pistons with the long ARC rods. Running the 38ci heads with the factory aluminum roller rockers.

I was told that I would need to cut a fire ring in either the head or the block in conjunction with a copper head gasket .
  I just got the head gaskets in yesterday,  and they are .045 thick ..

I've had a hard time trying to set up the head on the rotary table... so I thought I'd try to cut the block instead .

I ran across a tool by ISKY cams , it's called ( Is my 200 GRM , Groove oh Matic) now that tool drops in the cylinder and cuts the ring on the outside ... it's to big for a vanguard but has anyone used this tool before ? Or made one close to it ?

So I did find the size ..  M8x1.25 x 85.7

So ARP didn't offer a stud , but do have a five pack of 8x1.25x85mm bolts for $37.00 .  Part # 661-1013

This will fit my 35ci vanguard with 38ci heads ..

So I'm looking into either using ARP head bolts or ARP head studs .. but I can't seem to find the head bolt dia and thread pitch .. it's a 35ci block with 38 heads. Just thought I'd ask now so I can order them while I'm at work .

Also , what is the torque on the arp rod bolts ??

Thanks rotten ron

I'm wondering where and how to position the placement of the groove that needs to be cut into the head.. I've read that it is really tight and there is only one good spot ?? Do I use the steel head gasket as a reference?? Any input , measurements and or pictures would be great

Oh , okay . I thought I'd have to do the block . I can do the head then . Is it any type of special wire ? A hoop ? Or just a length of it cut to fit ..

What would be a good piston to cylinder clearance for a new piston ? Like .002 ? And if I used a old piston does that clearance increase ?to acomidate the skirts being distorted a bit from use.