LS1Sacrelig

iTrader: (5)

Im putting together an LS1 planning to make around 400 to the ground and was wondering if using new GM head bolts is a waste of time...I dont want to stud it, but I am definately considering ARP head bolts. Just curious as to whether or not stock head bolts are worth using, or should I just go ahead and purchase the ARPs.

Thanks

brians91formula

iTrader: (12)

402rwhp here and factory head bolts and factory un touched heads. Maybe do ARP for piece of mind ?

LS1Sacrelig

iTrader: (5)

Cool...Whats your set up to make 402whp?

pwrtrip75

iTrader: (8)

stock bolts would be still an overkill for that. I've re-used stock bolts on a couple different turbo apps. each over 600whp. and never had a prob.

RARON455

iTrader: (35)

My first engine I built before my stroker I have now put out 463 RWHP and 428 ft. lbs and ion top of that I sprayed a 150 shot,Stock head bolts never any problem. He stock head bolts are chromeoly steel and up to the job. drop em in and go.

brians91formula

iTrader: (12)

402/378 on a Mustang dyno

Full exhaust with no cats and cut out
UD pulley
Lid
227 /233 custom grind cam
stock ls1 intake

slt200mph

iTrader: (42)

Back about 7 years ago I went with a Lid, LT headers, and a TSP Torquer cam and made 414/389 on stock heads.The stock head bolts are fine but if you are going to do heads in the future get the ARPs so you can reuse them.

LS Desert Ranger

When everybody is sayin stock head bolts, do you guys mean the orignal stock head bolts or NEW stock head bolts?

pwrtrip75

iTrader: (8)

I have re-used the original ones. Lots of people have. Its not the politically correct thing to do though.

LS Desert Ranger

whats wrong with reusing the original stock head bolts?

SuperSport01

They are torque to yeild. Meaning they are stretched to the max and are technically unusable afterwards.

LS1Sacrelig

iTrader: (5)

Sweet! Thanks guys, experience is the best reference...My heads are stock just worked a little, and I dont plan on doing any big mods for a while.. Its going in a 90 240sx, so 400whp should be plenty and gonna take some time to get used to for me... I got the worked heads, MS3, bbk 80mm TB, stock C5 non EGR intake, and custom 1 7/8 long tubes for the application...Oh yea and a Melling high flow/volume oil pump (had oil pump issues with my last project and will never overlook that again). Looks like ill be calling the Chevy dealership this week...

garygnu

TSP sells stock head bolts and mite be cheaper then the dealership.they have gaskets to.

jim ravencraft

Hi,
i would agree on using new bolts due to stretching when torqued. I would like to see you spend that little extra $$$$$$$$ for new arp bolts and have peace of mind. Anything mechanical can fail and will fail at some point. Exercising due caution and proper build procedures is a must.never sacrifice quality for a few $$$$$$$. Best of luck with your project and have a blessed weekend..captain jim