Best Engine Head Bolt Sets of 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
Top 10 Engine Head Bolt Sets
Michigan Motorsports Camshaft Thrust Retainer Plate LS
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.
ARP 134-3610 Engine 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.
Mean Mug Auto 71315-122382A M6 Transmission Bolts
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.
ARP High Performance Small Block Chevy Cylinder Head 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.
ARP Chevy LS 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.
FEL-PRO ES 72220 Head Bolt Set
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.
Fel-Pro ES 72434 Cylinder Head Bolt Set
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.
Michigan Motorsports LS Head Bolt Kit
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.
PQY Cylinder Gasket Head Stud Bolts Nuts Kit for Chevy LS 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.
FEL-PRO ES 72390 Head Bolt Set
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.
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.
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.
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.