[Tim Corcoran]

Originally Posted by Goatracer1

For years I removed the heads in my GTO by just unscrewing the studs and like others have said leaving the last one in the head. I usually held it in place with an elastic band so it didn't flop around. MY studs didn't have provisions for unscrewing them so the first time I removed them I cut a small screwdriver slot in the end. I have also left the last bolt in the head when doing engines without studs also using the elastic band.

This is a good point but, this will require tilting the engine and/or to remove steering column to remove and retorque the nut.

[Goatracer1]

I have never had to remove the column or tilt the engine to torque the head. If you use the right combination of tools you should be able to torque it.

[Tim Corcoran]

Originally Posted by Goatracer1

I have never had to remove the column or tilt the engine to torque the head. If you use the right combination of tools you should be able to torque it.

Even if that were possible, I can't remove the head without either removing the steering column and/or tilting the engine.

None of this matters now, I am doing the repair without removing the head.