ARP bolts worth it for engine build?

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Sep 26, 2005 | 08:45 AM

sothpaw2

Thread Starter

Safety Car

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From: Maryland

ARP bolts worth it for engine build?

For Cyl. head bolts and header bolts, to use to re-assemble an engine,
are the ARP bolts the "hot ticket"--good quality, strength, not exorbatant cost?

Or do most just use OEM or some other aftermarket bolt?

Where do most of you get your ARP bolts? Summit?

Thanks

Sep 26, 2005 | 09:24 AM

MYCoupe

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2003

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From: Hewitt NJ

For the head bolts I would definitely go with the ARP ones. Header bolts you have more choices, but again can't go wrong with the ARP ones unless you want to get some of the "locking" type bolts.

Summit always has pretty competitive prices and their service has always been good (at least for me).

Sep 26, 2005 | 10:08 AM

neat

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2001

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From: Raleigh, NC

ARP bolts are the way to go IMO. Especially for high stress applications. Heads, mains, rods, etc...

Sep 26, 2005 | 11:30 AM

CFI-EFI

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From: The Top of Utah

I consider the ARP bolts a MUST for the rods, and highly desirable for the mains and heads. I consider them purely optional and possibly a waste of money in most other locations. After all, what is the point of using a 170,000# to 190,000# tensile strength bolt to hold your headers on to aluminum heads?

RACE ON!!!

Sep 26, 2005 | 11:48 AM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

ARP fasterners are a must. I also use their lubricant (although the girls kinda get pissed at that, not sure why.....) and make sure you go by their torque specifications.

Sep 26, 2005 | 11:53 AM

Red Tornado

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From: OBAMA IS HITLER

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorp508

ARP fasterners are a must. I also use their lubricant (although the girls kinda get pissed at that, not sure why.....)

i agree, i insisted on ARP studs for the mains, and the bolts for the rods and cylinder heads.

Sep 26, 2005 | 11:57 AM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Also.... most can't grasp this concept, but if you want a "more perfect" torque reading then use their 12-point fasterners if you have a set of 12-point sockets.

Sep 26, 2005 | 12:23 PM

Morley

Drifting

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From: GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorp508

Also.... most can't grasp this concept, but if you want a "more perfect" torque reading then use their 12-point fasterners

Makes no difference how many "points" are on the fasteners, torque is torque. If 12 point fasteners were that superior, we'd be using them all over our $50,000,000 + private jets. 12 point just gets you a smaller base to the head or nut.

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Sep 26, 2005 | 12:27 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morley

12 point just gets you a smaller base to the head or nut.

Incorrect. A 12-point fastener has more contact with the socket used to tighten it, which in turn makes torquing proceedures more accurate. It also aids in the prevention stripping of stuck fasteners.

Sep 26, 2005 | 12:39 PM

#10

Morley

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From: GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorp508

Going to have to disagree here. Having been an A&P mechanic for 25+ years I can tell you there is no difference between torquing a 6 or 12 point fastener. The socket/wrench either contacts the fastener or it doesn't, the torque wrench doesn't care how many "points" are on it.

Sep 26, 2005 | 01:16 PM

#11

VB Black Ice

Pro

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From: Tampa Fl

Headers: Stage 8 Locking Fasteners. Trust me, no header leaks will be found when these are used right...

Sep 26, 2005 | 01:27 PM

#12

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morley

Going to have to disagree here.

Thats fine if you'd like to.

Sep 26, 2005 | 01:27 PM

#13

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by VB Black Ice

Trust me, no header leaks will be found when these are used right...

That is pretty much the key for any header fastener. Most people do not go back and retighten the fasterners like they should after some heating cycles.

Sep 26, 2005 | 02:09 PM

#14

sothpaw2

Thread Starter

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From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by VB Black Ice

Headers: Stage 8 Locking Fasteners. Trust me, no header leaks will be found when these are used right...

Who makes 'em? Where do you get 'em?

Assume that no one would just re-use the stock header bolts, even though they are into aluminum (LT1) heads (as CFI points out--thanks).

Sep 26, 2005 | 02:18 PM

#15

Red Tornado

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From: OBAMA IS HITLER

Quote:

Originally Posted by sothpaw2

Who makes 'em? Where do you get 'em?

i got my fancy stage 8's from summitracing. they never budged

Sep 26, 2005 | 02:19 PM

#16

CFI-EFI

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From: The Top of Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by VB Black Ice

Trust me, no header leaks will be found when these are used right...

The key words being, "when these are used right". This is also true of a set of $10.00, Summit or Mr. Gasket bolts as well as those pricey Stage 8 bolts.

RACE ON!!!