['90 Eldo]

Experimenting with a replacement stud sounds tempting. I have had some experience in aluminum engines where the studs themselves will "stretch" I suppose more likely under higher compression ratios. This is a problem in Porsche engines which are being fixed using Dilivar (whatever that is) studs as a replacement. But as you stated there is the head gasket,and probably clearance problems to contend with,and this is a very expensive engine to be playing with.

Thanks for your input.