What's up guys? ....so I've installed a few sets of heads over the years, but they were always stock iron heads on mild motors, and I always used the basic GM head bolt kit. Nothing fancy, torque in sequence and never had issues. ...HOWEVER...I'm in the process of my first real build, and I've got a nice set of aluminum heads, a nice clean shortblock, and proper ARP bolts. Per the instructions, they say to use the Ultra torque assembly lube, which makes sense. for the bolts in the water jackets, they say to use thread sealer. ...they make is very clear NOT to use motor oil or other lubricants that may cause improper torquing, BUT...wouldn't the thread sealer do the same thing? Wouldn't it mix with the Ultra Torque and create a different level of friction? Maybe I'm overthinking this, but it just seamed odd to use both on the same bolt. Again....thanks for letting me tap into the collective experience, as I've never done this before. ....fwiw, ARP tech support out west isn't open yet!!!!

 

Thread sealer on the threads, arp lube on the washers and under heads. Make sure deck holes are spotless. Make sure the chamfered id of the washers faces the bolt head

 

...and THAT tidbit connects the dots! ....so easy, I just didn't know.