OldCarBum

I have collected all the parts for my 496 build except for all new fasteners.
I plan on using ARP for everything on this motor and was wondering if anyone has had any negative experience with them or if they are still as good as they were years ago.
Thanks

TimAT

I used ARP for main studs, oil pump, and head bolts. The rest of the bolts are pretty much all socket head capscrews from local suppliers. So far, no problems. Rockers came with the bolts so I didn't need to source those. So far, so good.

--I forgot- new rods came with ARP bolts.. Eagle 6.385 H-beams

ronarndt

OldCarBum- I ordered ARP head bolts the last time I took my 454 apart and generic Summit Racing bolts for the intake manifold and headers. The ARP bolts had a more well-polished appearance and the threads appeared to have fewer rough spots. I suspect they are still about the best you can get. I'm ordering connecting rods and all of the high end rods use ARP bolts.

427Hotrod

ARP all the way. Pricey...but don't even lose a seconds sleep worrying about quality.

JIM

ddawson

All ARP in my engine.

GTR1999

I use them in every diff I build, their ring gear bolts are the best out there. I use their 1/2 wheel studs when building HD rear axles, never had an issue with either. I am sure the engine bolts are the same

OldCarBum

I have read most of your inputs on many threads regarding diff's and they are always very informational.
As stated above I have all my motor parts; I've collected everything from the clutch to the driveshaft and now I'm researching what I need to build a strong differential and half shafts.
Do you have a web site I can visit or are you a forum vendor?

Sigforty

OldCarBum

The speed/machine shop helping me put this motor together advised me not to purchase the ARP big block kit.
He said the same as you, that I am building a custom motor and that if I purchase the "kit" there will be many fasteners included in the kit I won't be able to use.
They do offer individual fasteners especially for the items you listed above.

HeadsU.P.

Besides the quality and strength of ARPs, the appearance of the bolt head itself is just awesome. Especially the 12 point heads. Those 12pt say to the world: "this is a well built engine". (Six point bolt heads says: there is a Ace Hardware up the street).
I like the look of stainless fasteners on Chevy Orange engines and I like the look of black bolts on gray aluminum engine parts.

My only gripe is the packaging. I once needed just one bolt for a project to match some others. Calling ARP to have one sent in a envelope was out of the question. Service rep said I had to go through the retailer, which I understand. Called Summit. Now I have to buy a pack of five + shpg. If you need six bolts, you have to buy ten and so on. So, I will always have spares. Excellent product. You should see their catalog.

Metalhead140

ARP bolts are great. I used them all over my engine, love the black against the orange and it ties in nicely with the black L82 valve covers. They're the best head/main/rod bolts that I know of.

naramlee

ARP all the way, best of the best