c5_ls1_6spd

iTrader: (-1)

when everyone that did a head swap, did you all use ARP heads studs/bolts? or used factory head bolts?
im not planning on running any nitrous or forced induction, would i be fine with the stock factory head bolts with LS6 heads on my C5?

pewter 01 SS

iTrader: (5)

stock bolts are fine.. some people even run stock bolts in bigger ci motors. but if you have the money why not spend it on good quality bolts...

98SS2836

iTrader: (6)

I used ARP Bolts. I wouldn't use the factory ones ever. Because of the sequence that you have to do to put factory ones back in.

Zick

iTrader: (18)

I used the factory bolt(new) when I had my old LS1 engine, no problems.
My new LQ9 has ARP Bolts, so far so good.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/514495-arp-vs-gm-stock-head-bolts.html

You'll thank yourself when installing the ARP head bolts.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

Factory bolts here... had the heads off a couple of times.

King James

iTrader: (13)

You have to replace the factory bolts a lot before you equal the price of ARP's. So unless you just like burning money or you plan on swapping heads a lot I wouldn't bother with the ARP's. By the way, you can get them cheaper at NAPA then GM and they are the same things.

slow trap

iTrader: (22)

you should be fine with the stockers.and yes the torque sequence thing sucks,i'm sure when i done mine it wasn't exactly right so now i dropped 250 bucks on some 12 pt studs & some .040 cometics which will probably wind up leaking like a sifter !

Joel_SS

iTrader: (8)

I used arp head bolts when I installed my shortblock recenrtly. I was orignally going to use factory bolts but I got bolts for 2003 and early block and they did not fit in my 2004+ LS1 block.. And they only local place that had head bolts in stock for that block had ARP bolts.