Vmo

After breaking and drilling out yet another bolt, this time on the water pump, I have had it! Looking thru E-Bay I find engine bolt kits. Stainless or Grade 8 or Allen Head or just standard bolt kits. Which is the best for replacement on a relatively stock 350? Is there a difference between cut threads and rolled threads on a bolt? Guidance and opinions appreciated.

desi

I was looking at ARP-534-9601 but $76

Is there a cheaper alternative?

Jim Martley2

There may be CHEAPER but there isn't any BETTER!!

75 Hot One

Rolled threads are smoother & stronger & preferred vs cut threads. Except for highly stressed applications though, either is O.K. If both the same price, go with rolled.

Jughead

I used all ARP and specific GM head bolts for my aluminum heads.

cryzko

i spent 50 bucks on arp head bolts......

cryzko.....

stingr69

I thought the kit looked like a good idea untill it showed up. A few broke off on installation. Some were not the right length. Stainless bolts can be problematic to install and remove later so I do not use them.

Re-use the GM hardware. It is better quality even in used condition than any cheapo bolt kit on ebay. ARP or GM is the only way to go in my opinion.

-Mark.

Twin_Turbo

I only have ARP fasteners on my engine, once you go ARP you never go back.

COMMANDER370

ARP is the way to go.

Edzred72

ARP 6point stainless engine kit, and ARP head bolts for me. No problems, no RUST!!! When threads are cleaned up, anti-siez used in proper applications, and bolts installed properly...stainless presents no problems. A good stainless is comparable in stress to a grade 5 steel.
Eddie

desi

Re-use 30 yr old bolts? Are you sure?

stingr69

I have no doubts in my mind. If you have ever had to remove the stub of a cheap broken off replacement bolt or a snapped off galled thread stainless fastener you would probably agree with me. ARP are very good fasteners and GM made a good fastener too. I have bought cheap replacement head bolts and whole engine bolt kits and with the exception of the ARP pieces, they were clearly inferior to the OEM fasteners. We tried to use stainless fasteners in some large commercial air conditioning equipment assemblies and they were a total disaster.

Just my experience for what it's worth.

-Mark.

Solid LT1

I think the "re-use" answer depends on the area of the world you live in, it is OK for me in sunny California but, if I lived in "rust-belt" I WOULD NOT! I take my bolts apart, media tumble them and take them to the platers for Zinc type I or II plating. ARP is the best and I would beware of low grade "soft" generic stainless replacement bolts for my Vette (also most hardware store and fastener company stuff is not as good as OEM spec bolts from G.M.)