KCS

iTrader: (20)

I think 90% of the members on here understand what its like to build on a budget. One way or another, most of us learned that its more budget friendly to build it right the first time than to cut certain corners only to regret it later, and that's what we are trying to help you to understand.

It's perfectly acceptable to use GM bolts, the 620hp LS9 uses GM bolts. 700hp EMC engines use GM bolts. However, it is not acceptable to swap in ARP studs without honing the mains. If you want to use GM bolts, you put them in and leave them alone. If you want to use ARP studs, put them in now while you can have the mains align honed.

If the price of head studs is holding you back, have you looked at ARP head bolts? They are almost half the price and are more than enough for 570bhp. Whichever you decide to use, it would be best to have them when the cylinders are torque plate honed. You can swap to something else later, but it kind of defeats the purpose of torque plate honing and trying to get the cylinders as round as possible when everything is torqued. Think of it as not getting your money's worth.

You may be able to use STD main bearings, it depends on the crank and what clearance you want to run. Let the machinist have them when the block is align honed. He will be able to adjust the housing bores accordingly to get closer to the bearing clearance you want to run.