RRC LWB 4.2L head gaskets/ ARP studs & nuts

[rustneversleeps]

I am preparing to rebuild the 4.2L engine in my '93 RRC LWB and have a question about ARP head bolts. This engine (# 40D00386A) is a fairly early 4.2L that has a 10 bolt HRC2210 cylinder head with original head heights. The head gaskets were replaced by a previous owner with the composite type and with the newer torque-to-yield bolts.

Because the composite gasket is 0.030" thicker than the tin one, and used with an early head that is 0.037" greater in head height, the result was significant power lost due to loss of compression and reduced valve opening due to little or nil lifter preload (which produced a nasty "tick" that I thought might have been a slipped liner).

The Rover shop manual indicates that the maximum resurfacing limit for these heads is 0.020", so going this route to compensate for the 0.030" thicker composite gasket doesn't seem a viable option. My plan is to return to tin head gaskets and to use ARP studs and nuts with their superior clamping force to ensure successful sealing of the tin gaskets.

However, there is a problem with this plan too - the alternator ("generator") bracket ERR2676, as part of its mounting to the cylinder head, uses a special double-ended bolt (LR part 602200) that is 7/16" x 2.7" with a 1" section of 3/8"-24 on the top of the head bolt . This head bolt is used at the front of the left head outside of the valve cover.

I have watched many good videos dealing with head gaskets and ARP head bolts, but there is no mention of this problem, which some
owners must have had to deal with. It seems like a poor plan to use the 602200 in this one position and use the ARP hardware everywhere else. My only idea is to slightly enlarge the 3/8" hole in the alternator bracket and use a longer ARP stud to allow the bracket to be attached above the ARP nut on the stud.

Have you encountered this issue before? Can one longer ARP stud be purchased for this purpose or are there sufficient threads above the ARP nut when torqued to spec to permit mounting the bracket above it?

Sorry for the long email, but any light you can shed on this will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Ken