6.7L Power Stroke Head Stud Installation Guide (2011–2022 Ford) — CP880

This guide covers installation of the XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ CP880 head stud kit for the 2011–2022 6.7L Ford Power Stroke. It covers the three-stage M12 torque specs, the M8 stud procedure, and the two placement details specific to this engine. Prefer a printable copy? Download the PDF manual.

Why the 6.7L Power Stroke needs head studs

Factory OEM head bolts are torque-to-yield: you torque them to a specified value, then add a final 90° rotation that stretches the bolt to its maximum point. That works at stock power levels. But when you add parts that increase horsepower — a turbocharger, injectors, a tuner — you create higher cylinder pressures lower in your RPM range, and the clamping force securing the gasket, head, and block is no longer sufficient. The result: a blown head gasket.

Head studs are engineered to resist stretching. XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ head studs are manufactured from our premium XOTIC 7200 steel alloy, superior in tensile strength to any bolt, and backed by a lifetime warranty. The key to getting that strength into your engine is accurate preload — the tensile force generated when a fastener is tightened, creating clamp force in the joint. Everything in this guide is in service of achieving equal, accurate preload across all 45 studs.

What's in the CP880 kit

• 45 × head studs (XOTIC 7200 alloy) — 36 × M12 studs, 9 × M8 studs
• 45 × hardened parallel washers
• 45 × nuts
• 2 × sockets
• 2 × allen wrenches
• 1 × fastener assembly lubricant

Before you start: verify first

Confirm that part number CP880 is compatible with your application (2011–2022 6.7L Ford Power Stroke) before installing any components. Inspect all package contents and clean as necessary to ensure accurate installation. Report any obvious defects or shipping damage to us before proceeding.

How to install head studs on a 6.7L Power Stroke

1. Clean the block threads. Clean the threads in the block prior to installing the head studs to ensure accurate fitment and precise torque readings. A dedicated M12 x 1.75 thread chaser (CS304) makes this fast and protects the threads.
2. Install the studs hand-tight — shorter studs in the marked positions. Thread the head studs into the block by hand without applying torque. Install the shorter studs in positions #11, 13, 15, and 17 as shown in the manual's diagram.
3. Check stud height with a straightedge. Use a straightedge ruler to measure the distance from the mating surface (deck or main cap) to the top of each installed stud. Ensure all studs of the same length group sit level with each other (within 1 mm / 0.040”). Uneven height may indicate debris or incorrect thread engagement. Properly installed studs will bottom out smoothly and show uniform height across all positions. If a stud appears higher or lower than the others, remove it, re-clean the hole, and reinstall by hand. Do not use tools to force studs deeper. Incorrect stud seating can cause off-angle stress, uneven preload, or stud fracture during engine operation.
4. Set the gasket and head. Install the head gasket and cylinder head, ensuring proper alignment.
5. Clean the washer seating areas. Clean the washer seating surfaces on the cylinder head with a fast-evaporating solvent such as non-chlorinated brake cleaner to remove oil, grease, and contaminants. A clean surface is essential for achieving proper fastener preload.
6. Lubricate. Place the washers onto the studs. Using the supplied assembly lubricant, apply a thin coat to the stud threads, the underside of the nuts, and the top side of the washers.
7. Install the nuts. Thread the nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten until they make contact with the washers.
8. Torque in sequence. Follow the torque stages below in the numbered sequence shown in the manual's torque sequence diagram.

6.7L Power Stroke head stud torque specs

M12 studs (positions 1–18, three stages)

M8 studs

Torque the M8 nuts to 28 ft-lbs in the positions shown in the manual's diagram, up through position #23.

Frequently asked questions

What are the torque specs for 6.7L Power Stroke head studs?

M12 studs (positions 1–18): three stages — 42 ft-lbs, then 84 ft-lbs, then a final pass at 125 ft-lbs in the numbered sequence. M8 studs: 28 ft-lbs in the positions shown in the manual's diagram.

Which positions get the shorter studs?

Positions #11, 13, 15, and 17, as marked in the manual's diagram. Additionally, position #23 takes the dedicated short M8 x 1.25 stud (3.70" under-head length) on the driver's side.

What trucks does the CP880 kit fit?

2011–2022 Ford Super Duty trucks with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel.

What size thread chaser do I need for a 6.7L head stud install?

The manual references the CS304 (M12 x 1.75) thread chaser for the stud holes.

Related install guides

Working on another Power Stroke? The full family is covered: 7.3L (CP879), 6.0L (CP874), and 6.4L (CP875). Also for the 6.7L: our cold side charge pipe guide (LP100).

Need help?

For technical support, email support@xotic-performance.com. All XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ fasteners are covered by our limited lifetime warranty. Finished your install? Tag #XOTICPERFORMANCE on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

© 2026 XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. This installation guide is an original copyrighted work of XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. Reproduction, distribution, or use of this content in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Doc ref: 2025.05.27 (web edition 2026.08).