Head Bolts
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Originally Posted by tjwong
If the bolts are stock I would replace them after the second time. If they are aftermarket ARPs then I would just clean them and reuse them.
The extra money is not worth the agravation of a blown head gasket from reusing the stoack bolts!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,412
Likes: 259
From: Little Elm TX
If they are ARP, I'd reuse them as well. Plan on reusing mine. Now that is if we're talking about a C4 (which we're in the C4 section, we should be). If it's a C5, I know no matter what type of bolt you use, you have to replace them. They are designed to stretch and once they do, you can't reuse them.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I could not answer your pole because you did not have the correct answer as an option which is, follow the manufacturers recommendations. The reason for this is, that head bolts and other critical engine bolts (in some engines) these days are designed to torque past yield. That is to say that they torque past the limit at which they will return to their original length when loosened again. That means that after one use, they are junk. When I rebuilt my engine, I installed ARP head bolts. They can be reused. When I removed them some time later to install better heads, the torque had not been compromised. They were all very tight when I broke them loose. I had used their sealer-lube and torqued them to their specs. I reinstalled them with complete confidence.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
head bolts and other critical engine bolts (in some engines) these days are designed to torque past yield. That is to say that they torque past the limit at which they will return to their original length when loosened again.
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Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by VQT88Vette
I don't know if this is true if the threads were torque past yield the bolt cannot hold at the specified torque any more.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by tjwong
If the bolts are stock I would replace them after the second time. If they are aftermarket ARPs then I would just clean them and reuse them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
I just purchased the book "How to rebuild LT1/LT4 motors" here is the quote.
"Always use new cylinder head bolts for any gen 2 motor. These bolts are torque/angle tightened, and are torque-to-yield type and should not be reused."
Get some ARP's.
"Always use new cylinder head bolts for any gen 2 motor. These bolts are torque/angle tightened, and are torque-to-yield type and should not be reused."
Get some ARP's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I did not know about the newer torque to yield bolts and when I rebuilt my engine I got all the head bolts torqued on both sides except one and when I did it the darn thing broke. If there ever is a next time I will get ARP.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,349
Likes: 673
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Older (non torque to yield) bolts "should" last for a quite few rebuilds (I have used older SBC Chevy bolts over and over with no problem).
But, I do run a standard nut onto each cleaned bolt all the way down the threads. If there is any stretch, the nut will bind. Recently, I R&R'd my 87 Vette alum. heads (for the 2nd time). Found one bolt stretched (using the above method) and it measured longer than all of the other bolts). Time for new head bolts!
Plasticman
But, I do run a standard nut onto each cleaned bolt all the way down the threads. If there is any stretch, the nut will bind. Recently, I R&R'd my 87 Vette alum. heads (for the 2nd time). Found one bolt stretched (using the above method) and it measured longer than all of the other bolts). Time for new head bolts!
Plasticman
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
I just did my heads. I replaced with the ARP bolts. Good quality and I also had them ship me their thread sealent for the water jacket bolts. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
If you are replacing (should if they are stock bolts) I'd go with a stud kit.
I'm thinking that for a stock or near-stock vehicle and no exotic compression ratios or power outputs (again, near stock levels) I wouldn't think that Head studs would offer much advantage over the cheaper and easier to use/remove/work on ARP head bolts. In conjunction with a felpro gasket I doubt many of us have ever had an issue that would warrant or imply the necessity for studs.
Besides, I hear they make removing the heads a total bear.
I wanted to go with studs if only for the Trickness of it, but my better sense tells me it's a waste of money, time and effort.
