ARP studs or factory bolts?
 

1989, head gasket being done in car.
I have both the ARP studs and the OEM bolts.
Heads ready to go, block clean.
Plan to assemble tomorrow.
Leaning towards the bolts.
Which would you use?.......why?
While I am at it, for the head gasket, felpro or factory?
got both as well.

Bolts and GM gaskets is my vote.

Unless it's a race style prep, bolts are more than adequate.

As for the gasket, probably either. I'd use the thinner of the two.

:iagree:, bolts are more than adequate for a street driven daily driver. original bolts must be clean and threads chased, and I have never used original bolts more than 1X past original, factory install. thought I read somewhere not to use OE bolts more than 2X past original installation - however, have nothing to back that up. over the last twenty years or so, I've opted for new bolts, and lately new ARP's. unless you're on a budget, new bolts and one less thing to worry about. head gaskets - my last use was felpro - no issues. lost a little compression due to compressed thickness (.038 felpro vs. .015 OE steel shim) - to be honest, SOTP, can't tell the difference. felpro's will be a little more forgiving with the whole surface flatness thing. :thumbs:

Thanks for all the great responses so far, I am considering each.
Just for the record, the factory bolts are brand new from the dealer.
Thanks again

Update!
Here is photo of a FelPro gasket on top of the dealer gasket.
The FelPro covers the block and head, the "extra" of the dealer gasket does not appear to have any function.
Do I have an incorrect dealer gasket?
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ef11c3e2bc.jpg

don't know. what is the part number of the "dealer" gasket? I have seen "replacement" head gaskets configured as shown, but not many. usually, they are aftermarket and have more than one application. should be easy enough to cross reference the PN vs. application. the original head gasket part number for the 1989 L98 corvette is 14088948. it's discontinued, and don't know the service replacement part number, but thinking it might be GM 10105117. when you say "dealer" gasket, do you have a "genuine GM, OE part?" BTW, i'm assuming the felpros are 7733's.

that aint right. i'd be returning that 'dealer' gasket and show them a picture of it overhanging!!

The dealer gasket is # 12557236

Never seen an oem gasket like that... Ever. and that mighty thick at .05...

I found it on Summitt Racing, here is their link

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12557236

seems OK from the description...

Make sure you use the washers with lube and lube or seal the threads on the bolts/studs.

It is not ideal to re-use the factory head bolts. Realistically, you will probably not have a problem, but if I was doing the job I would use new bolts. Just my $.02

I went with ARP Bolts and factory gaskets.

If it's a stock rebuild, I'd go OEM head bolt and sell the ARP to recoup some cash. But I would never use the OEM bolts twice.

If you are high compression, or especially boosted, or any plans to crank up the power, drop in the ARP.