The stud we are referring to is a double sided (threaded) bolt. Therefore, when you hand tighten them into the block, it is as if there is a bolt sticking straight up out of the bolt thread sitide up. With that, the head slides on top of these as you said, and then lube, a washer and a nut bolt it down.
These nuts (no pun intended) are what Kevin is referring to with regard to the importance of the torque setting.
If you just made a new post and no one has replied yet, please just edit your first post with the additional info/question.
Kevin is from the New England area.