Hawks Motorsports is pleased to offer our clients the 134-3609 1997-2003 GM Gen III LS 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Head Bolt Kit, ARP. This ARP High Performance cylinder head bolt kit is designed for Chevrolet Gen III LS engines from 2003 and earlier and uses the unequal-length head-bolt configuration found on these earlier LS engines. The kit features 8740 chromoly construction, black oxide finish, hex heads, and hardened washers.

For an LS build, head hardware is one of those areas where you don't want to gamble on tired factory fasteners. Whether you're freshening up an LS1, building an LM7 5.3L, or putting together a 6.0L performance combination, ARP head bolts give the cylinder heads the kind of serious fastening hardware you'd expect in a performance engine build. The 134-3609 is specifically matched to the earlier Gen III LS bolt pattern and unequal-length configuration, making it important to verify the block before ordering.

ARP identifies the 134-3609 as an 8740 hex-head cylinder head bolt kit for Gen III LS engines, 2003 and earlier. ARP's application guide distinguishes this kit from the 134-3610 used on 2004-and-later Gen III applications with equal-length head bolts.

KEY FEATURES

• ARP Part Number: 134-3609
• Brand: ARP
• Designed for Chevrolet Gen III LS engines, 2003 and earlier
• Fits applications using the unequal-length head-bolt configuration
• 8740 chromoly construction
• Heat-treated construction
• Black oxide finish
• Hex-head design
• Reduced wrenching hex
• Wide-area flange
• Hardened, parallel-ground washers included
• Designed for both street and performance engine builds
• Two primary head-bolt lengths for early LS applications
• Separate smaller fasteners are included for the applicable locations
• ARP High Performance/Professional Series head bolt kit

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

ARP's current product information identifies 134-3609 as the Gen III LS 2003-and-earlier hex-head kit. ARP's application guide specifically lists 134-3609 under Gen III (2003 & earlier), two lengths, 8740, hex.

JEGS currently lists black oxide finish, chromoly material, hex head, washers included, 13mm/10mm socket sizes, and package dimensions of 8.70" × 4.20" × 2.40".

VEHICLE FITMENT / FITS THE FOLLOWING MODELS

Verified Engine Applications

• 4.8L LS-based Gen III engines
• 5.3L LS-based Gen III engines
• 5.7L LS1
• 5.7L LS6
• 6.0L LS-based Gen III engines
• GM Gen III LS engines using the 2003-and-earlier unequal-length head-bolt configuration

Current application sources specifically identify 134-3609 with LS1, LS6, 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L applications.

Common Vehicle Applications

Depending on engine and block configuration, applications include:

• 1997-2003 Chevrolet Camaro
• 1997-2003 Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am
• 1997-2003 Chevrolet Corvette
• GM trucks using applicable Gen III 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L engines

The exact vehicle year alone should not be used as the final fitment determination. The engine block's head-bolt configuration must be verified, particularly around the 2003/2004 transition.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES AND EXCLUSIONS

• This kit is for Gen III LS engines, 2003 and earlier, according to ARP's current application information.
• The kit is intended for the unequal-length head-bolt configuration.
• Some early/mid-year LS applications can create confusion because the block—not simply the vehicle model year—determines the required head-bolt configuration.
• 2004-and-later equal-length Gen III applications generally use ARP 134-3610 instead.
• Verify the existing head-bolt configuration before ordering if the engine has been swapped or the block has been changed.
• Do not assume a 1997-2003 vehicle automatically has the original 1997-2003 engine block.
• This is a hex-head kit. ARP offers separate 12-point head-bolt kits for these applications.
• This kit should not be confused with an ARP head stud kit.

INSTALLATION NOTES

• Inspect all fasteners before installation.
• Clean the block threads thoroughly to remove old sealant, lubricant and debris.
• ARP recommends chasing the block threads when necessary to ensure proper thread engagement and accurate torque readings.
• Clean the cylinder-head spot faces where the washers seat.
• Keep the washer and cylinder-head mating surfaces clean and free of oil or grease.
• Verify the engine block and cylinder-head decks are flat and have the appropriate surface finish for the selected head gasket.
• Follow the current ARP installation instructions for the proper lubricant, torque specifications and tightening sequence.
• Verify the correct bolt location and length during assembly; this kit uses the early LS unequal-length configuration.
• ARP recommends checking component fit and clearance around the fasteners during mock-up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is ARP 134-3609?

ARP 134-3609 is a hex-head cylinder head bolt kit for Chevrolet Gen III LS engines using the 2003-and-earlier unequal-length head-bolt configuration.

What LS engines does 134-3609 fit?

The kit is commonly used with Gen III LS 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L and 6.0L applications, including LS1 and LS6 applications using the applicable early head-bolt configuration.

Will 134-3609 fit an LS1?

Yes, when the LS1 uses the 2003-and-earlier unequal-length head-bolt configuration.

Will 134-3609 fit a 5.3L LM7?

Yes, current application information identifies the 134-3609 as compatible with applicable early Gen III 5.3L LM7 engines.

Will 134-3609 fit a 6.0L LQ4?

Current application information identifies 134-3609 as the correct kit for applicable early Gen III 6.0L applications. Verify the block configuration before installation.

What is the difference between 134-3609 and 134-3610?

ARP lists 134-3609 for Gen III LS engines from 2003 and earlier using two primary bolt lengths, while 134-3610 is listed for 2004-and-later Gen III applications with equal-length head bolts.

Are the washers included?

Yes. The kit includes hardened, parallel-ground washers.

What type of head does 134-3609 use?

The 134-3609 uses a hex head. ARP also offers a separate 12-point version for the same general early Gen III LS application.

What material are these head bolts made from?

ARP identifies 134-3609 as an 8740 head-bolt kit.

Can these bolts be used on a 2004 LS engine?

Not automatically. ARP's application guide separates 2003-and-earlier 134-3609 from the 2004-and-later 134-3610. Verify the actual block and head-bolt configuration before ordering.