cuban

Gearing up for installing the heads and am having last min debate between studs vs bolts. Looking at ARP 234-4344 but, the description is not giving me the warm fuzzy feeling. My block is a 98 so I have 5 short and 10 long bolts on ea side and the stud kit claims “Gen III LS Series small block (2003 & earlier), 4 short, 16 long, ARP2000”. Thoughts? Am I losing my mind over thinking this? Thanks.

lucky131969

...why are ARP bolts not an option?

cuban

are, already have themes

lucky131969

Ok.

Mc556

Speedway sells a set of house brand studs for $100. They are pretty well documented and are GTG For a NA application I would not worry about any of them. Studs are always easier to work with and create a more uniform clamping force IMO

JeffT1

All 98-03 blocks should actually have 3 different length bolts and in 04 they changed to just 2 different length bolts. With that said, 2 of your 10 long bolts should be a little shorter than the other 8.

cuban

do you know which location? Daaamnit, I just found the two shorter longer bolts

JeffT1

It's been too long for me, hopefully, this is correct. Check the info in this link:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-location.html

cuban

I found that as well, thanks for the help, def helped I didn’t even look at the bolts other than grab one to groove. Serves me right.

93Polo

ARP bolts and studs are proven. I prefer studs as it puts less stress on the threads in the block. Which ever you go be sure to clean the threads, you can cut/grind the sided of the factory bolts to get the gunk out.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ead-bolts.html

vette4fl

This thread chaser is pricey, but is perfect. Do not use a tap on the threads.

The tap socket below works great with the ARP thread chaser and a battery ratchet (gentle and slow…). Re studs/bolts, studs all the way. A lot easier on your block’s bolt hole threads.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-912-0011



IRWIN 3095001B Adjustable Tap Socket, Large https://a.co/d/hf0rwjX