opinion on ARP bolts

[BlueZee28]

Do you guys think that I absolutely need to replace all of the bolts on the block? I've got it torn apart, and I'm replacing the crankshaft and the cam. So I have the main caps off, the harmonic balancer, connecting rods, etc.

I already bought a set of ARP connecting rod bolts, because those are a must, considering those bolts are the weak link in a high performance motor.

What I am really curious about is if I should be able to re-use the main cap bolts, the harmonic balancer bolt, the camshaft bolts, the cam retainer plate bolts, etc. I figured I'd go ahead and get ARP head bolts and the flywheel bolt, but wasn't sure how much of the rest of the hardware should be replaced. I'm going with a healthy cam (TSP 228R or Torquer V.2), and it will have ported and polished heads, so the hp and torque numbers will be up there. I'm just kind of on the fence about if I should really spend the extra money on these other parts.

Another question is, if I SHOULD replace all of those bolts, would NEW GM parts be good enough or do I really need aftermarket?

[George C]

stock bolts are one time use for internal parts.

i ran the TV2 in a 11.0 6.0. if i had to do it again i would go with a larger cam

[LARRY01Z28]

all bolts have to be replaced when you go internal. they are torque to yiled bolts. id say go ahead and get ARP bolt sif you have the extra money.

[r.barn]

I would get ARP rod bolts too.

[GasGuzzler]

Vertical main bolts are not TQ to yield per GM service info for a 2001 4.8/5.3/6.0 and don't have to be replaced but the smaller horizontal cross bolts have a sealer patch that makes them one time use. Head bolts and balancer bolt are one time use only.

[BlueZee28]

Vertical main bolts are not TQ to yield per GM service info for a 2001 4.8/5.3/6.0 and don't have to be replaced but the smaller horizontal cross bolts have a sealer patch that makes them one time use. Head bolts and balancer bolt are one time use only.

Ok, so the main bolts that are on the underside of the caps can be re-used, but not the ones that go in from the side of the block (the ones I didn't realize were there when I was trying to pry the caps off with no luck haha)

[BlueZee28]

I would get ARP rod bolts too.

I've already got those.



What about using new GM parts? I am on a budget, and I went ahead and got the ARP rod bolts, but is ARP really necessary for everything internal?

[r.barn]

No,

Rod bolts beef up what needs beefing up inside

You'll bend a rod or break a piston before anything else lets go.

[TxStVanWilder]

do it right or do it twice...... trust me ive been there

[Tarinitup1]

I only did rod, main, and head arp bolts.