Building my 383 I have been using mostly ARP bolts, but i have a good set of stock SBC head bolts for my iron dart heads. Would it be ok to use stock head bolts on my 383 build?

Sure, so why not??

pdq67

No reason why not. I used the stock bolts on my 412 when it had 250+ of cylinder pressure. No biggie. Try to use washers under the bolts though.

But, you may find the head of the bolt to be too large in some spots. With my heads and 1.55" springs, I have to use ARP bolts with a reduced head width to clear the springs. If you have smaller springs, like 1.437" or so, you should be OK.

sure, but why? just buy a set of arp's and be sure you have a good set, not a set that have been cycled who knows how many times. a set of arp's is 50$, why stop buying quality bolts now?
as was said, stock will work fine for a low comp. naturally asp. motor, but imo, just get the good ones and be done with it. as always, just my opinion.

I would not hesitate for a second to use a set of GM fasteners. Both ARP and GM source very good products.

I would reject in a heartbeat anything in a plain vanilla package and/or a fastener in which the manufacturer cannot be identified.

Excellent, thanks everyone for all the help. Have a good holiday!

FWIW, GM's 300M head bolt material is perhaps, one of the finest head bolt materials there is if you bother to chase down just what it is AND it's spec's!!

And the price is right, imho, or they wouldn't be using the stuff...

pdq67

i may have misunderstood, i was assuming stock previously used bolts. new bolts are going to do just fine, but still, i'd go for the arp's, if nothing else than for the small head design for clearance. and who know's, the friggin' GM bolts are probably made in china anymore :mad: