ARP's or stock bolts
 

Going to put some 243 heads on my 2000 A4 vette, and was curious about head bolts. It will be N/A only with no spray with 64cc chambers. Should I go with ARP's or stock GM bolts. I will not being pulling the heads for quite awhile I hope. Let me know what you think.

Being you don't plan on pulling the heads again I'd say stick with GM's. You can buy quite a few GM bolt sets before you equal the cost of ARP's.

I'd say get the ARP's so you don't have to upgrade again. While you're in there, might as well put the better part in. You can use them again and again, but GM's are TTY.

plus you always run the risk of breaking GM bolts. haven't heard of too many ARP bolts breaking unless you don't follow instructions.

I am doing the same thing, and went with the ARP studs (12 point). I think part of the upgrade is better parts all around. I also went with better lifters as well. I like only doing things once, and when I do, putting in the best parts.

Thanks guys, I guess ARP's are the way to go. A little more expensive, but I guess it's worth it in the long run.

jw.. which are the best arp bolts.. i saw like 3 different ones for my heads... i think i will be doing the arp's tho if u can reuse them and they dont strip as easy ect..

i also spray.. so i imagine they help there

There were some issues with the ARP bolts. If you are going with those instead of studs, do a search so you understand what happened to the ones who ran into problems.

ARP's. Once you get the holes cleaned out then there is never a question about the holding force. I remember when I did some reasearch that there were quite a few reports of water leaks and such from the improper use of GM bolts. It's hard the really get the threads in the block clean and if you dont get the holes dry then coolant or debris in the hole will mess up the installation. The ARP's were so easy, and you will feel so much more confident with them.

Go ARP. I'll never use TTY head bolts again. They wind up being a pain in the ass after awhile.

I've got a set of ARP 12 point studs FS if anyone needs them. Shoot me a PM.:)