Why isn't there an ARP listing or elsewhere for 350 head bolts? Seriously, doesn't a company like that have the resources to package a set, or is there something unique that I'm missing with the OEM head bolts that can't be reproduced. Should I have my machine shop bead blast and bake the old ones and reuse them, or is that a bad idea. Thanks, ElectraJim
TA Performance sells a set of (ARP, I believe) Buick 350 head bolts under part number TA 1128. Frankly, unless there's something wrong with your stock head bolts (badly corroded, damaged threads, etc.), or you're building a really high performance engine, just clean up, inspect for damage, and reuse your original bolts.
Thanks Dan. I just placed a "large" order with TA Performance, and neglected to order head bolts. I was more curious what the technical reason that there isn't a listing in ARP's catalog, or elsewhere. http://www.arp-bolts.com/catalog/Catalog.html TA Performance is very valuable to the Buick community. I only wish they had a walk in retail store in the Midwest. :laugh: I always felt that reusing head bolts was sort of like reusing old lifters, but maybe not. I wouldn't ever reuse lifters or a cam if removed from an engine. Thanks, ElectraJim
as a rule of thumb it is a good idea to replace the head bolts....as far as i have always been tought. the buick 350 are not a torque to yeild??
I imagine TA simply packages the correct size ARP bolts for their 350 bolt kit, and ARP doesn't bother, due to demand.
I do know that when I asked Mike about 340 head studs he said if I'd measure them they'd put together a set for me. almost time to do that too. Jim
Might want to figure out the rod bolt specs and see. You may be able to wak in a local place that has ARP. GM being a parts bin company probably grabs head bolts for many rides out of the same box.
About ARP, funny thing is, they list bolt sets for stage II and even Dutweiller heads (V6), and probably some other lower production engines/heads other than the Buick 350 and similar SBB's too. ou: ElectraJim
As a rule, engines with iron heads are not torque to yield. If its got aluminum heads, they will most likely be torque to yield. It wont hurt to measure bolt stretch before you re-use the old ones, though.
Jim,I agree with all others as far of reusing good clean stock bolts but I do adhere to your way of thinking.After all the work and money on my engine,I like to replace most if not all fasteners.I'm very fond of ARP's hardware myself and have some of their catalogs.Mike at TA just put the kit together,that's where I get mine,I don't think that any part peddler out there will take the time for the Buick application.TA also has ARP ex manifold bolt kits for the 350,nice stuff.
Well, somebody has the be the first to buy this stuff. Maybe in the past order details would be forgotten. But these days with the systems most vendors have in place, once it is ordered it is forever in the system waiting to be ordered again, provided they can find it. Guess the more it changes the more it stays the same. Jim
