Head bolt inserts AFR 185

[Steves LX]

I picked up a set of AFR 185's. They have no head bolt inserts. So I took the ones that came in mt GT40 aluminum heads and tried to install them into the AFR's. However the fit is super tight. You have to beat them in. Well after I attemted this on one of them it seemed as if it just didn't want to seat all the way down. Well after looking at it a little closer, the insert is actually shaving the aluminum as you beat it down and it's causing the aluminum to flare out across the hole on the bottom side of the insert. So what is the solution to this? I thought all inserts were universal. At least thats what I have been told. I stabbed a bolt thru one of the other holes just too see how much slop there was vs using a insert and there is quite a bit more slop then I feel comfortable with without using a insert. Anyone here help me out on this?

[Maximus]

Use a drill bit and open the hole.

[Blowpastyou]

as long as you have dowels in the block I wouldnt worry about them. I didnt in my AFR 185's and was running 15psi with no problems.

[graysonracin]

arp has stepped head bolts that are for 1/2 in head bolt holes down to stock size.

[Jeff88coupe]

arp has stepped head bolts that are for 1/2 in head bolt holes down to stock size.

Exactly what I would use when running them on a stock block.