I have a 97 LS1 that I'm putting 243 heads on, any suggestions for a reasonable head bolt solution? Don't want to run stock head bolts ($50) and don't want to spend $180 for early LS1 ARP bolts. Is there a mid range solution?

 

EBay studs

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ngth-test.html

Maybe this link will help with your decision.

 

ARP can be had for less then 180.00.

 

You get what you pay for (if you're lucky). Pro-comp/chinese/speedway79/whatever-it is-this-week junk ends up being way too expensive. I wouldn't use them if they were free.

Use the stock GM and don't worry about them. Or pony up for the ARP, and don't worry about them.