I have used ARP studs a few times and I would say that they are the best hardware out there HANDS DOWN. They do cost a small fortune though.

I know a few people that say that any bolt will do the job just fine (for heads, mains, water pump etc). These studs are just for bragging rights. Sure on paper they do look better but in the real world, bolts will suffice.

I disagree. I say that studs are the only way to go regardless of their hefty price tag.

Thoughts????

 

i wouldn't say they are the only way to go,but for nitroused,forced induction,or high compression high perf applications they probably are the only way to go.

 

One nice thing about the 2.3 is that ARP head studs are only $85

Anyway I think studs are worth the money especially on a forced induction engine...if only for the fact that they clamp better and more evenly, plus you can reuse them about as many times as you want.

 

Studs will allow for more precise torque measurements, but they're not necessarily stronger then head bolts (of the same grade).

I've used the same ARP head bolts on my 94 Lightning for the past two years, and I've seen 15+ psi of boost these last two weeks at the track...no problems thus far.

 

Another nice thing about studs is that they hold the gasket in place for you so you don't have to worry about it shifting on you.

I use studs (some arp, some non arp) on exhaust manifolds, heads, mains, water pump, intake manifold, plenum, egr valve....everywhere!!

Am I the only one that does this?

 

I didn't have any alignment problems with the head gaskets and bolts. As far as the accessories go (water pump, intake, etc...) a small dab of RTV has worked fine for me.

 

eco- i was going to say the same thing, also for iron 460 heads which are pretty heavy theyll let you slide the head down and not nick the gasket because youre having issues keeping the head straight

 

until you need to take the head off while it is still in truck.sometimes there would be issues as far as clearance,brake booster,heater housing, firewall etc.

 

I always run ARP head bolts, rod bolts oil pump shaft and main cap studs when i'm building a motor and I use threaded rod when installing the heads and transmissions.

 

I used ARP exclusively when I put my 460 back together. It may have cost more, but I sure felt better doing it.

 

In case anyone's interested: http://www.arp-bolts.com/Tech/TechWhy.html



Pete

 

I think they are cheap insurance on your critical fasteners, i.e. rod bolts, head bolts/studs etc. Sure stock stuff will likely be fine, but for critical things like rod bolts, I will always go ARP. I would never forgive myself if I let a $5 fastener ruin a $3000+ engine.

 

i think they are a necessity for peace of mind alone.the last time i went thru my bronco engine i switched the 8740 rod bolts to the 2000 series.now the bolts are stronger than the rods.

then theres the quality that is second to none.the wave loc rod bolts are kinda a pain to get the caps off tho.

 

i have used arp products since they came out. 197? ,never have i had a engine fail because of the product. and for me we are talking top fuel drag boats. most of my blow ups where from blowing super chargers right off the motors or being to lean with fuel top end and burning the pistons up.