I have no specific info about studs vs bolts.

We had a fairly long discussion regarding them a year or so ago here. I know that a lot of Ferrari and race motors use them, but I am not sure they actually automatically assure more successful sealing than stretch bolts. Since race engines use them one advantage might be that they are more forgiving if you are taking the head off often, and of course not being stretch bolts, you would never have to buy new bolts again. So they would save money that way too.

For the kindof money you are speaking of you might be able to get custom pistons and rings from one of the high performance companies.

Good luck.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.