Do I really need to buy ARP head studs?

Speed breeder · Post by **Speed breeder** » Mon May 05, 2008 6:35 pm

when putting my motor back together, do I really need to use ARP head studs to bolt down the head?

I know studs are supposed to stretch when you torque the head and that is why its advisable to get new head studs...

If I use the original ones from the motor, does this mean they could break while assembling the motor again - more fragile?

Doctor G · Post by **Doctor G** » Mon May 05, 2008 6:52 pm

They don't just break. You could re-use them, but make sure of the tightening sequence and the gradual tightening procedure.

New OEM will go a long way. Unless you're boosting 1.5 bar or so I doubt ARP's are necessary.

veecee · Post by **veecee** » Mon May 05, 2008 7:26 pm

depends on the motor you have...

CA18's dont use stretch bolts and they can be re-used.

SR20's have a stretch limit - so they can be re-used if they are not beyond the limit...

however - keep in mind the boost you will be running (like Dr G said) - the above recommendations are for stock boost, not big boost!

Speed breeder · Post by **Speed breeder** » Tue May 06, 2008 7:21 am

Thanks for the info... didn't know that ca18 didn't use stretch bolts...

I think then I will use the originals, and I can spend that $$$ on other much needed improvements

Vlade · Post by **Vlade** » Tue May 06, 2008 8:03 am

It depends... I got ARP in my CA, but then again my intentions with the motor is a bit different... it was built to handle +1bar boost... to make some good power, which neither is happening

So all in all... Nah you don't need them, you can rather go buy new stock ones like ChemCool did, wasn't expensive IIRC.