is it ok to reuse factory head bolts
is it ok to reuse factory head bolts i have a 5.3L from a 2000 pickup im putting in my 96 chevy and one head is messed up so switching with another set i have i just wanna know if i need to buy new head bolts or if the old ones will be ok motor is all stock
thanks for any info anyone has
thanks for any info anyone has
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69TA "gm bolts are crap and can only be used once"
Paul57 "It's GMs way of adding a little extra "cash" to their pockets...can you say "Greedy" Motors"
Chevyfor life "yeah i hate when they make it so you have to replace things that really shouldn't go bad but thanks for all the info"
OK guys it is time to get the facts straight. The GM head bolts are not "crap", they do not "go bad", and GM is not "greedy" in the price of their head bolts. The head bolts are designed as a "torque to yeild" fastener... they are turned and stretched to a certain point to apply the proper amount of pressure to their appalication. Once they have been stretched they will not apply the proper pressure to do the job they were designed for. Thus they were designed to be used once and then discarded. If you are going to have the heads off of a engine often or you want a superior fastener then I would suggest a set of ARP studs or head bolts. They are torqued to a foot pound specification and can be used over and over. They cost a little more than the stock GM head bolts but are worth it to me as I change heads from time to time. I all depends on your situation. The LS series of engines are a mericle of modern engineering and design. The performance and durability that they have are truely superior.
Paul57 "It's GMs way of adding a little extra "cash" to their pockets...can you say "Greedy" Motors"
Chevyfor life "yeah i hate when they make it so you have to replace things that really shouldn't go bad but thanks for all the info"
OK guys it is time to get the facts straight. The GM head bolts are not "crap", they do not "go bad", and GM is not "greedy" in the price of their head bolts. The head bolts are designed as a "torque to yeild" fastener... they are turned and stretched to a certain point to apply the proper amount of pressure to their appalication. Once they have been stretched they will not apply the proper pressure to do the job they were designed for. Thus they were designed to be used once and then discarded. If you are going to have the heads off of a engine often or you want a superior fastener then I would suggest a set of ARP studs or head bolts. They are torqued to a foot pound specification and can be used over and over. They cost a little more than the stock GM head bolts but are worth it to me as I change heads from time to time. I all depends on your situation. The LS series of engines are a mericle of modern engineering and design. The performance and durability that they have are truely superior.
Last edited by slt200mph; Oct 9, 2009 at 09:25 AM.
OK guys it is time to get the facts straight. The GM head bolts are not "crap", they do not "go bad", and GM is not "greedy" in the price of their head bolts. The head bolts are designed as a "torque to yeild" fastener... they are turned and stretched to a certain point to apply the proper amount of pressure to their appalication. Once they have been stretched they will not apply the proper pressure to do the job they were designed for. Thus they were designed to be used once and then discarded. If you are going to have the heads off of a engine often or you want a superior fastener then I would suggest a set of ARP studs or head bolts. They are torqued to a foot pound specification and can be used over and over. They cost a little more than the stock GM head bolts but a worth it to me. I all depends on your situation. The LS series of engines are a mericle of modern engineering and design. The performance and durability that they have are truely superior.
Many modern engines use torque-to-yield head bolts. They maintain the proper torque much better than conventional bolts, and prevent head to block sealing issues.
It has nothing do do with being cheap or making money, its about producing a quality product.
Patriot Performance has the bolts for $25 shipped. 
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
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From: Frozen Tundra, WI
If you...want a superior fastener then I would suggest a set of ARP studs or head bolts. They are torqued to a foot pound specification and can be used over and over. They cost a little more than the stock GM head bolts but are worth it to me as I change heads from time to time.
If you want to believe the hype that is being fed to you that is fine. However, you proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out.
I am grateful that GMs bolts are not overly expensive and I use them, myself.
You just proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out. ARP is a superior fastener, costs more and can be reused. Hmmmm...GM use to sell motors with reusable head bolts. Hmmm...Sounds like they took a step backwards...what could that be for...$$$$$$$...maybe?!!
If you want to believe the hype that is being fed to you that is fine. However, you proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out.
I am grateful that GMs bolts are not overly expensive and I use them, myself.
If you want to believe the hype that is being fed to you that is fine. However, you proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out.
I am grateful that GMs bolts are not overly expensive and I use them, myself.
You just proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out. ARP is a superior fastener, costs more and can be reused. Hmmmm...GM use to sell motors with reusable head bolts. Hmmm...Sounds like they took a step backwards...what could that be for...$$$$$$$...maybe?!!
If you want to believe the hype that is being fed to you that is fine. However, you proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out.
I am grateful that GMs bolts are not overly expensive and I use them, myself.
If you want to believe the hype that is being fed to you that is fine. However, you proved EXACTLY what I was trying to point out.
I am grateful that GMs bolts are not overly expensive and I use them, myself.
That's just efficiency and not wasteful spending. GM isn't making money off you buying ARP bolts which most people do for the added strength and the fact you can reuse them.
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
I just want to make sure I have the "bottom line" correct here...it isn't like I've never had bad information before
.So you are telling me that...GM bolts are better for a 200,000 mile motor than the ARP (or any reusable) head bolt is. Correct?????
I appreciate you pointing out some of this info.
I just want to make sure I have the "bottom line" correct here...it isn't like I've never had bad information before .
So you are telling me that...GM bolts are better for a 200,000 mile motor than the ARP (or any reusable) head bolt is. Correct?????
I just want to make sure I have the "bottom line" correct here...it isn't like I've never had bad information before
.So you are telling me that...GM bolts are better for a 200,000 mile motor than the ARP (or any reusable) head bolt is. Correct?????
No.
Are ARP bolts necessary on a normal 200k LS motor?
No. The GMs are just fine. If the heads come off two or three times in its longevity you are still saving money by buying the GM bolts. No need for ARPs in that situation.