Best Engine Main Bolts & Studs of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Engine main bolts and studs are crucial components in any engine build. They are responsible for securing the engine block to the crankshaft, which is essential for the engine's proper operation. Main bolts and studs come in different sizes and materials, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep the engine together under extreme conditions. High-performance engines require stronger and more durable bolts and studs to withstand the increased power and torque. When building or rebuilding an engine, it is essential to choose the right main bolts and studs to ensure reliability and longevity.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit Cover #TOP 1
GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
GM Genuine Parts Crankshaft Balancer Bolt 09129242 Cover #TOP 2
GM Genuine Parts Crankshaft Balancer Bolt 09129242
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dorman Carburetor Stud Kit Cover #TOP 3
Dorman Carburetor Stud Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Engine Main Bolts & Studs

#TOP 1

GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit

LN-1013-S-RS
GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit Cover
GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit Stand Bolt Flange Compatible with LSX LS LS1 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG

The GSTP 12pc Engine Stand Bolt Kit is a high-quality bolt kit designed for LSX LS LS1 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L LR4 LQ4 LS6 LQ9 L33 LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG engines. The kit features high-strength grade 10.9 metric flange bolts with a transparent zinc coating to prevent rust and corrosion. The flanged headed JIS spec bolts do not require washers and are of good quality preventing threads from seizing. GSTP provides excellent customer service and a money-back guarantee.

What We Like
High-strength grade 10.9 metric flange bolts
Transparent zinc coating to prevent rust and corrosion
Good quality preventing threads from seizing
No washers needed with these flanged headed JIS spec bolts
Money-back guarantee provided by GSTP
#TOP 2

GM Genuine Parts Crankshaft Balancer Bolt 09129242

09129242
Silver
GM Genuine Parts Crankshaft Balancer Bolt 09129242 Cover
GM Genuine Parts 09129242 Crankshaft Balancer Bolt

The GM Crankshaft Balancer Bolt is designed to securely fasten important components in your vehicle, ensuring everything stays in place while driving. This part is crafted by GM engineers specifically for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac models, so you can trust it fits perfectly and works reliably. Using this bolt helps maintain the safety features built into your GM vehicle, which might not be guaranteed with aftermarket parts. Plus, GM constantly updates their parts with new materials and technology, so you get a durable and modern product that keeps your engine running smoothly.

What We Like
Secure fastening
Engineered by GM
Maintains vehicle safety
Updated designs
#TOP 3

Dorman Carburetor Stud Kit

23705
5/16 inches
Dorman Carburetor Stud Kit Cover
Dorman 23705 Carburetor Stud Kit Universal Fit

The Dorman 23705 Carburetor Stud Kit is a versatile kit made from sturdy steel that contains four 5/16"-18 studs and nuts. This kit is easy to install and suitable for a range of applications. Additionally, Dorman's ASE Blue Seal Certified technical support team is available to provide assistance.

What We Like
Sturdy steel construction
Suitable for a range of applications
Easy to install

ARP Pro Series Flexplate Bolt Kit

ARP
2442901
ARP Pro Series Flexplate Bolt Kit Cover
ARP 2442901 Pro Series Flexplate Bolt Kit for Gen III/LS Series Small Block Chevrolet

The ARP Pro Series Flexplate Bolt Kit is designed for Gen II/LS Series Small Block Chevrolet engines. The kit includes bolts with M11 x 1.5 thread size and a 3/4 inch wrenching. The product belongs to the Engine Main Bolts & Studs category.

What We Like
Designed for specific engine types
Includes bolts with M11 x 1.5 thread size
Easy to install with 3/4 inch wrenching
#TOP 5

ARP 2342503 Stud Kit for Engine Main Bolts & Studs

ARP
2342503
Black
ARP 2342503 Stud Kit for Engine Main Bolts & Studs Cover
Arp 234-2503 ARP Balancer Bolt Kits, Black, M6

The ARP 2342503 Stud Kit is designed to keep your engine's balancer locked into position. This kit is vehicle-specific, ensuring a perfect fit for your engine. With a package weight of 0.454 kilograms, this kit is lightweight and easy to install. As part of the Engine Main Bolts & Studs category, it is an essential component for maintaining the integrity of your engine.

What We Like
Helps keep your engine's balancer locked into position
Vehicle-specific for a perfect fit
Lightweight and easy to install
#TOP 6

GM Genuine Parts Engine Intake Manifold Bolt 11610472

11610472
GM Genuine Parts Engine Intake Manifold Bolt 11610472 Cover
GM Genuine Parts 11610472 Engine Intake Manifold Bolt

The GM Intake Manifold Bolt is designed to securely fasten important components in your vehicle, ensuring everything stays in place during operation. This bolt is made by GM engineers who specifically design and test these parts for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, so you can trust it fits perfectly and works as intended. Using original GM parts like this bolt means you benefit from safety standards that aftermarket options might not meet, helping keep your vehicle safe. Plus, GM continually improves their parts by adding new materials and technologies, so you get a reliable and up-to-date product.

What We Like
Secure fastening
OEM design and testing
Safety compliance
Continuous design updates
#TOP 7

Michigan Motorsports ARP LS Oil Pump Bolt Kit

LS ARP Oil Pump Bolt Kit
Black
Michigan Motorsports ARP LS Oil Pump Bolt Kit Cover
ARP LS Oil Pump Bolt Kit | Kit of 4 High-Strength Bolts | Fits 1997-2013 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS1 LS3 LQ4 LM7 L99 LSX LS Based Engines

The Michigan Motorsports ARP Bolts kit is designed to keep your LS engine’s oil pump securely in place. These bolts are made with high-quality materials, giving you strong and reliable fastening that can handle tough driving conditions without leaking. They are specifically made to fit a wide range of GM LS engines, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. With four bolts included, you get everything needed for a proper installation. Plus, they have a high strength rating, meaning they will last long and maintain your engine’s integrity over time.

What We Like
High strength construction
Direct LS engine fit
Complete 4-bolt set
Durable and long-lasting
#TOP 8

Wllead LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit for GM LS Series

LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit
Wllead LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit for GM LS Series Cover
Wllead LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit Compatible with All GM Chevy Camaro Corvette Silverado Truck 1997-2014 LS Series Engines LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6-4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L

The Wllead LS Starter Bolts are designed to fit a wide range of GM LS engines from 1997 to 2014, including popular models like LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS6. This means you can trust these bolts to work perfectly with your Chevy Camaro, Corvette, or Silverado truck. Made from strong galvanized steel, these bolts resist rust and corrosion, helping to keep them from getting stuck over time. The kit includes both long and short bolts, sized specifically for your engine's starter, making installation straightforward and secure. With these bolts, you get reliable performance and peace of mind for your engine repairs or upgrades.

What We Like
Wide engine compatibility
Durable galvanized steel
Rust and corrosion resistance
Includes long and short bolts
#TOP 9

Deargooday Oil Pan Bolt Kit for Chevy, Ford & Oldsmobile V8 Engines

‎99447816
1/4-20 UNC
Deargooday Oil Pan Bolt Kit for Chevy, Ford & Oldsmobile V8 Engines Cover
Oil Pan Bolt Kit SBC SBF Fit for 1955-1998 Chevy Small Block V8 Engines 265 283 305 307 327 350 383 400 & Small Block Ford V8 260 289 302 351W & Oldsmobile Engines 350-455 (22PCS)

The Deargooday Oil Pan Bolts are designed to fit a wide range of Chevy Small Block V8 engines from 1955 to 1998, including popular models like the 265, 283, and 350, as well as Oldsmobile engines and Small Block Ford V8s. This versatility means you can trust these bolts to replace old or damaged ones on many classic engines. Made from durable steel with a zinc coating, these bolts resist rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. Installing them is straightforward—just remove your old bolts and tighten the new ones to keep your engine running smoothly and reliably.

What We Like
Wide engine compatibility
Durable steel construction
Rust and corrosion resistant
Easy direct replacement
#TOP 10

LaWana LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit for 1997-2014 GM LS Series

The LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit
3/8"-16 UNC
LaWana LS Engine Starter Bolt Kit for 1997-2014 GM LS Series Cover
LS Engine Starter Bolts Kit Upgrade - Long/Short Bolt Set for 1997-2014 Compatible with GM Camaro Corvette Silverado LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 L92 L99 and Vortec 4.8L-6.2L Engines

The LaWana LS Starter Bolts are designed to fit all Chevrolet LS engines made between 1997 and 2014, ensuring a perfect and secure fit for your vehicle. This kit works with a wide range of LS engines, including popular models like LS1, LS2, LS3, and many more, so you can trust it to match your engine type. Made from strong galvanized steel, these bolts resist rust and provide long-lasting durability, helping you avoid common issues like bolts seizing up. Plus, the bolts meet reliable class 10.9 and JIS standards, giving you confidence in their quality and performance during installation or repairs.

What We Like
Wide engine compatibility
Durable galvanized steel
Rust resistant bolts
Meets high-quality standards
Perfect fit for LS engines
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why use studs instead of bolts?

Studs are preferred over bolts because they provide more accurate torque values. Unlike bolts, studs don't twist during tightening, resulting in more even and accurate clamping forces. By remaining stationary during nut tightening, studs stretch in one axis alone, ensuring consistent torque loading.

2. Are studs stronger than bolts?

Studs are generally considered to be stronger than bolts. Their design reduces the likelihood of twisting during torquing, leading to more consistent torque loading. This consistent loading provides better clamping forces and overall strength compared to bolts.

3. What causes a main bolt to break?

Main bolts can break due to various reasons. These include insufficient preload/tension during installation, loss of preload during service, excessive cyclic loading beyond the bolt's strength, or the bolt being of inferior quality.

4. What is the advantage of a stud?

Studs offer several advantages over bolts. They result in less wear to the block's threads, leading to longer thread hole life. Studs also provide more accurate torque because they don't twist during tightening. This makes them highly reliable and effective for achieving precise torque values.

5. Are bolts as strong as welds?

Welded joints are generally stronger than bolted joints due to the absence of perforations needed for bolts. The manufacturing process plays a significant role in joint strength, with bolted joints offering simplicity while welded joints provide higher strength.

Editor's Notes

During our engine main bolts & stud research, we found 24 engine main bolts & stud products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,445 customer reviews through our big data system to write the engine main bolts & studs list. We found that most customers choose engine main bolts & studs with an average price of $12.12.

The engine main bolts & studs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of engine main bolts & studs, including GSTP, GM GENUINE PARTS, Dorman, ARP, Michigan Motorsports. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 101 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.