Thanks for the opinions, and y'all can do as ya wish I reckon. But let me get this straight...by not "wrenching" my studs in I'm doing shitty engine work? The age of the thread requires tightness? Me and my racin boys are just lucky. We NEVER reef down on the studs. C L A M P I N G force. I put over 400 WFO 7800RPM trouble free passes on my last race motor at 14.11:1. Luck? My bud's was a tic over 15:1 and a mix of aluminum in there too. I don't count his rounds but it stays together all year. We ain't talking Top Fuel where they get redone every round.
So skip the racers, no pressure there. Maybe the Packards, also studed, are just lucky for me? Then again, maybe because I use the old nasty sealants that many don't like to use I simply "get by"? Rather than get all wound up about the studs/procedures/clamping forces, how bout them block threads? If they really are that bad then you need inserts. Bushings with inside and outside threads are far superior to heli-coils, if there's only a couple that are questionable then you wouldn't need to get too hi-tech to install em. Worst case scenario, rent a mag drill for accuracy. I have several Packards out there, decades old restorations, no leaks, no issues. Everyone has their ways and their sources for info. Ya gotta do what works for you I guess. Whatever you choose, it should give massive peace of mind as you clear turn 4 at 8400RPM...
Enjoy the Holiday kids.