Best Engine Head Bolt Sets of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Engine head bolt sets are a crucial component of any engine. These sets are designed to keep the engine head securely in place and prevent leaks or damage. Made from high-quality materials, such as steel or titanium, engine head bolt sets are built to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures that engines produce. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any engine type and are easy to install with the right tools. Investing in a high-quality engine head bolt set can ensure the longevity and reliability of your engine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate LS Cover #TOP 1
Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate LS
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ARP 134-3610 Engine Head Bolt Kit Cover #TOP 2
ARP 134-3610 Engine Head Bolt Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mean Mug Auto 71315-122382A M6 Transmission Bolts Cover #TOP 3
Mean Mug Auto 71315-122382A M6 Transmission Bolts
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Engine Head Bolt Sets

#TOP 1

Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate LS

E6300+F6200
Black
Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate LS Cover
Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate Kit | Fits Non-VVT LS Engines | 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LQ4 LQ9 LS2 LS3 | Replaces GM #12589016 | Includes ARP 134-1002 Bolt Kit

Introducing the Michigan Motorsports Cam Retainer Plate, a must-have for LS series engine owners. This high-quality retainer plate is specifically designed to fit LS series engines with flat head bolts, excluding VVT Timing setups. The package includes a retainer gasket plate and a Flat Head Bolt Kit ARP 134-1002 for easy installation. One of the standout features of this product is the inclusion of a silicone seal, ensuring proper sealing and preventing leaks. Additionally, the Cam Retainer Plate comes with the ARP 134-1002 High Performance Series Black Oxide M8 x 1.25 Thread 20mm UHL Camshaft Retainer Plate Bolt Kit, complete with a 10mm socket for GM LS-Series V8 engines. Trust Michigan Motorsports to deliver the highest quality and most affordable LS swap products on the market.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Easy installation with included bolt kit
Includes silicone seal for proper sealing
#TOP 2

ARP 134-3610 Engine Head Bolt Kit

ARP
134-3610
7/16-14
ARP 134-3610 Engine Head Bolt Kit Cover
ARP 134-3610 Head Bolt Kit

The ARP Head Bolt Kit is designed for those who need reliable fastening for street, off-road, and powersport engines. This kit offers precision-engineered bolts, ensuring a secure fit and enhanced engine performance whether you're driving on highways or tackling rough terrains. The compact packaging, measuring just 3 by 7 by 7 inches, makes it easy to store and handle. Weighing only 3 pounds, it’s lightweight and convenient to carry. Plus, being made in the United States adds a level of quality assurance you can trust. This kit is perfect if you want durable, well-crafted head bolts for your engine projects.

What We Like
Precision engineering
Versatile application
Compact packaging
Lightweight design
Made in the USA
#TOP 3

Mean Mug Auto 71315-122382A M6 Transmission Bolts

71315-122382A
Black
Mean Mug Auto 71315-122382A M6 Transmission Bolts Cover
71315-122382A 30x M6 Bolts, 1.0 x 17mm Loose Washer Hex Head SEMS Body Bolts, Transmission Pan Bolts, Oil Pan Bolts with 18mm Washer, Replaces OEM 11508930, M6 Screws for Toyota, Subaru, Dodge & More

The Mean Mug Auto M6 Bolts are designed to provide a reliable replacement for your vehicle’s transmission or oil pan bolts. These bolts measure M6-1.0 x 17mm, with a 10mm hex head and an 18mm washer, making them easy for you to install and ensuring a secure fit. Made from durable Grade 9.8 Black Phosphate material, they offer long-lasting strength and resistance to wear. Plus, these bolts match the OEM part number 11508930, so you can confidently replace your old bolts without compatibility worries. They fit many popular brands, including Toyota, Subaru, and Dodge, giving you versatile use across different vehicles.

What We Like
Durable Black Phosphate material
OEM part number compatibility
Includes 18mm washer
Fits multiple vehicle brands
#TOP 4

ARP High Performance Small Block Chevy Cylinder Head Bolts

ARP
134-3601
Plain
ARP High Performance Small Block Chevy Cylinder Head Bolts Cover
ARP 1343601 High Performance Series Cylinder Head Hex Bolts

The ARP Chevy Head Bolts are designed specifically for Small Block Chevy engines, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. With the part number 134-3601, you can easily identify and order the exact kit you need. Weighing 5 pounds, this bolt kit offers a solid, durable feel, giving you confidence in the strength and reliability of your engine assembly. These bolts are part of ARP's high-performance series, which means they are built to handle the demands of high-stress engine environments, helping you maintain engine integrity and performance.

What We Like
Vehicle-specific fit
Durable, high-performance design
Clear part number identification
Solid package weight

ARP Chevy LS Header Bolt Kit

ARP
134-1102
Black
ARP Chevy LS Header Bolt Kit Cover
ARP Chevy LS 3/8in Flange Hex Header Bolt Kit

This ARP Header Bolt Kit is designed specifically for GM LS-Series engines. With a 3/8in Flange Hex design, it ensures a secure and tight fit. The package weighs only 0.6 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to handle. As a part of the Engine Head Bolt Sets category, it offers reliable performance for your vehicle.

What We Like
Designed specifically for GM LS-Series engines
3/8in Flange Hex design for a secure and tight fit
Lightweight package for easy handling
#TOP 6

FEL-PRO ES 72220 Head Bolt Set

ES 72220
FEL-PRO ES 72220 Head Bolt Set Cover
FEL-PRO ES 72220 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set for Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The FEL-PRO ES 72220 Head Bolt Set is designed to meet or exceed all original equipment specifications while providing unsurpassed quality. Its application-specific design ensures a perfect fit and eliminates the risk associated with the re-use of T-T-Y (torque to yield) head bolts. The set has been validated for fit, form, and function, and is designed to fit specific vehicles.

What We Like
Meets or exceeds original equipment specifications
Application-specific design ensures a perfect fit
Eliminates risk associated with re-use of T-T-Y head bolts
Validated for fit, form, and function
Provides unsurpassed quality you can trust
#TOP 7

Fel-Pro ES 72434 Cylinder Head Bolt Set

ES 72434
Factory
M10x1.25
Fel-Pro ES 72434 Cylinder Head Bolt Set Cover
FEL-PRO ES 72434 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set for Toyota Corolla

The Fel-Pro Head Bolt Set is designed to fit a wide range of Toyota and Lexus models, ensuring you get the right part for your specific vehicle. Before purchasing, you can easily confirm compatibility by entering your vehicle details, which helps prevent buying the wrong item. This set meets or surpasses all original equipment standards, so you know it delivers reliable performance. Its design is tailored to fit perfectly, making installation smoother and reducing the chance of errors. With this set, you avoid the risks of reusing torque-to-yield bolts, giving you peace of mind with every repair or replacement.

What We Like
Wide vehicle compatibility
Easy fit confirmation
Meets OEM standards
Precision fit design
Prevents bolt reuse risks
#TOP 8

Michigan Motorsports LS Head Bolt Kit

K7100
Bolts for 2 Heads
Michigan Motorsports LS Head Bolt Kit Cover
Michigan Motorsports LS Head Bolt Kit | Fits 2004-2013 GM LS Engines | 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L 7.0L LS2 LS3 LS7 LQ4 LQ9 LC9 LY6 LM7 | Stock Replacement Cylinder Head Bolt Set

The Michigan Motorsports Head Bolts kit offers a complete set of torque-to-yield bolts, making it easier for you to securely fasten both cylinder heads during engine rebuilds or upgrades. This all-in-one kit saves you time and ensures everything fits perfectly. Built to match or exceed factory strength and torque standards, these bolts provide reliable clamping force even under tough conditions, giving you peace of mind. Whether you’re working on a regular street engine or a high-performance build, this kit is designed to handle both. Plus, it’s specifically made for later LS engines from 2004 to 2013, ensuring compatibility with your GM engine’s updated design.

What We Like
Complete bolt set
OEM-quality strength
Suitable for performance builds
Fits 2004-2013 LS engines
#TOP 9

PQY Cylinder Gasket Head Stud Bolts Nuts Kit for Chevy LS Engines

PQY
emk05
black
for 97-03 Chevy
PQY Cylinder Gasket Head Stud Bolts Nuts Kit for Chevy LS Engines Cover
PQY 12-Point Cylinder Gasket Head Stud Bolts Nuts Kit Compatible with 97-03 Chevy LS1 LQ9 LS6 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Engines

The PQY 12-Point Cylinder Gasket Head Stud Bolts Nuts Kit is compatible with various Chevy LS engines, including trucks and Corvettes. The bolts are centerless ground and heat treated for maximum strength, with a tensile strength rating of 220K psi. They are made of iron with good ductility and a black oxide finish, making them resistant to high temperatures. The kit is easy to install and comes with 20 M11 head studs, 10 M8 studs, 30 parallel-ground washers, and 30 12-point nuts.

What We Like
Compatible with a variety of Chevy LS engines, including trucks and Corvettes
Centerless ground and heat treated for maximum strength with 220K psi tensile strength
Made of iron with good ductility and a black oxide finish, resistant to high temperatures
Easy to install, direct replacement for old rusted bolts, improves car performance
Comes with all necessary components for installation
#TOP 10

FEL-PRO ES 72390 Head Bolt Set

ES 72390
Natural
1 Count (Pack of 1)
FEL-PRO ES 72390 Head Bolt Set Cover
FEL-PRO ES 72390 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set for Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The FEL-PRO ES 72390 Head Bolt Set meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications and has an application specific design to ensure a perfect fit. It helps avoid the risk associated with re-using T-T-Y head bolts and is validated for fit, form, and function. With its unsurpassed quality, you can trust this cylinder head bolt set.

What We Like
Meets or exceeds original equipment specifications
Application specific design ensures a perfect fit
Helps avoid risk associated with re-using T-T-Y head bolts
Validated for fit, form, and function
Unsurpassed quality
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of bolts are used on cylinder heads?

Head bolts are used to fasten the cylinder head to the engine block in internal combustion engines. They can also be used to attach other parts of the block, such as camshafts, timing chain covers, and oil pans.

2. What is better head bolts or studs?

Studs are generally considered better than head bolts because they are less likely to twist while being torqued, resulting in a more consistent torque loading. However, head bolts are less expensive and more suitable for installations with clearance issues that would prevent the use of studs.

3. How much torque do you need for engine head bolts?

For engine head bolts, each bolt should be tightened to a torque of 12-15 foot pounds.

4. How many times can you reuse head bolts?

Standard head bolts can be reused multiple times as long as they have not been stretched past their spring back point. Head bolts are designed to stretch when torqued into place and return to their original position when removed.

5. Should you grease cylinder head bolts?

In most cases, the threads and underside of the head on standard automotive head bolts should be lubricated with motor oil before installation.

6. Why do people upgrade head studs?

People upgrade to head studs because they provide a greater clamping force compared to head bolts. This increased clamping force helps seal the cylinder head, head gasket, and engine block together more effectively, allowing the studs to withstand higher power levels.

7. What happens if you don't torque head bolts?

If head bolts or studs are not tightened enough, the cylinder pressure in the engine can cause leaks between the cylinder head and block, leading to coolant or combustion gas entering the wrong channels and potentially causing engine damage.

8. Should I torque the nut or bolt head?

Whether to torque the nut or bolt head depends on the application and the condition of the materials being fastened. In many cases, torque can be applied to either the nut or bolt head, as both will result in a tight connection. The choice between the two does not significantly affect the risk of breakage.

Editor's Notes

During our engine head bolt set research, we found 24 engine head bolt set products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,771 customer reviews through our big data system to write the engine head bolt sets list. We found that most customers choose engine head bolt sets with an average price of $29.65.

The engine head bolt sets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of engine head bolt sets, including Michigan Motorsports, ARP, Mean Mug Auto, Fel-Pro, PQY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 264 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.