LS motor - head bolts/studs - Pro-Touring.com

BA. · #1 11-03-2009, 11:19 AM

So while my heads are off I was thinking about upgrading to either ARP head studs or ARP head bolts......just seemed like the good thing to do based upon old Gen 1 engines.

Anyone know whether these LS motors benefit from this up grade like a Gen 1 motor? Is it's a worthwhile upgrade to do either studs or bolts here?

gearheads78 · #2 11-03-2009, 01:02 PM

High HP applications the studs are a big help. Moderate buids I have used ARP bolts not only because they are stronger but you can reuse them. GM bolts are torque once and throw away.

WS6 · #3 11-03-2009, 06:24 PM

x2 the stock stuff is fine for a lot of builds but the bolts aren't reusable. A set of ARP bolts is not expensive really and it will be good insurance. ARP rod bolts are a good choice as well.

BA. · #4 11-04-2009, 07:55 AM

Hmmm. I was thinking about the possibility of nitrous on this motor.
Would that warrant studs over bolts?

gearheads78 · #5 11-04-2009, 08:31 AM

I would not run studs unless you need studs. IMO a little juice is not going to make a difference. A real big shot or a FI application I would do studs.

GetMore · #6 11-04-2009, 04:44 PM

The drawback to studs (in case you didn't already know) is that if you need to pull a head with the engine in the car you'll have a lot more work to do, and may not be able to do it. Other than that I don't think there's a down side.

LSXZ28 · #7 11-05-2009, 02:07 PM

If it were me, I would stud it and use MLS head gaskets if it were gonna see much nitrous...

BA. · #8 11-06-2009, 11:03 AM

SumB!tch!

I just called ARP "Tech Support" and they said that they don't have anything listed for the LS7. I would have sworn I read somewhere in a different post/thread...site,...that they were.

The tech said the listed bolts for the LS1/LS6.......just no mention of any other LS motor.
Also, they have a head stud kit listed as "Gen 3 LSx".

Not feeling real confident on that info from them and they couldn't say either would work on the LS7 either.

Anyone know?

Rybar · #9 11-06-2009, 11:15 AM

Found this searching google: http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/p-482...-bolt-kit.aspx

Are you looking for studs or bolts?

I ran ARP bolt kit on my LS1.

BA. · #10 11-06-2009, 11:52 AM

Your Google-Fu is strong Rybar.

Thanks!

BA. · #11 11-06-2009, 12:07 PM

I see they sell a stud kit too. That's what I'll go with.

Better safe than sorry with a blown engine, I'll just have to deal with any future potential head removal issues. The price of entry.

Makes me feel safer for a good nitrous shot anyway....

Thanks for everyone's help and input! When you feel the ground shake, that'll be me firing up my new motor.

Rybar · #12 11-06-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA.

I see they sell a stud kit too. That's what I'll go with.

Better safe than sorry with a blown engine, I'll just have to deal with any future potential head removal issues. The price of entry.

Makes me feel safer for a good nitrous shot anyway....

Thanks for everyone's help and input! When you feel the ground shake, that'll be me firing up my new motor.

NP, one good thing about studs would be you woudn't have to clean out the coolant from the bolt holes every time you removed the heads. They will cause head removal to be more of a PITA. Probably would have to remove the brake booster.