Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 291

Likes: 1

Hi all, just curious if anyone is having trouble with arp bolts? I bought and installed some and had a strange experience installing. Upon first install the head was a difficult to slide over the studs had a slight struggle to get the head past the threads and mate the gasket, I’m hopping head removal will not be an issue in the future. I also noticed when torquing them down the first few bolts felt as if they stretched while torquing and became loose then got back to proper torque while the rest maintained tension throughout. Has anyone experienced this? If so have you had any negative issues?

Just got got my motor back in the car yesterday and although the rebuild has been fun I do not wish to repeat. Just looking for peoples install experience and outcomes on the arp bolts. Also using a cometic head gasket but after researching I’m having mixed feelings not using any copper spray. I’m not sure if any revisions have been made to the head gaskets but I’ve seen some bad stories around year 2005-2008. Hoping to hear some recent good results.

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 4,252

Likes: 3

From: SOMD

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 291

Likes: 1

Mine seemed pretty tight and very little play to jiggle. Maybe I just wasn’t putting it on square from the top I’m hoping I don’t have any issues if I ever have to remove the head again. Any issues blowing head gaskets using the arp bolts?

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 6,507

Likes: 51

From: Sellersburg, IN

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 291

Likes: 1

hmm, I saw a bulge at the top of the threads that bolt to the block and assumed it would not clear the bolt hole of the head. I guess worse case scenario I just undo the bolts / studs then lift out the head.

I guess there is either no recent negative outcomes for the above combo or not many people use it. I guess I’ll just check back when I get my car running.. waiting on a PFab greddy replacement manifold.