Hawks Motorsports is pleased to offer our clients the LS1/LS6 Up to 2003 12-Point Cylinder Head Stud Kit, ARP 234-4316. This ARP Pro Series cylinder head stud kit is designed for 2003-and-earlier GM Gen III LS applications using the earlier unequal-length cylinder-head fastener configuration. The kit uses 8740 chromoly steel studs, 12-point nuts and hardened parallel-ground washers.

If you're putting together an early LS and plan on making more power than the factory hardware was ever expected to handle, head studs are one of those upgrades that make sense while the engine is apart. The 234-4316 is the early LS setup, with multiple stud lengths designed around the different-depth head bolt holes found in these blocks. The 12-point nuts make working around an LS cylinder head much easier, especially when you're trying to get a torque wrench and socket into tight spaces.

ARP manufactures these Pro Series studs from 8740 chromoly steel and heat treats them before the threads are rolled and the studs are machined. The kit is designed to provide consistent cylinder-head clamping and includes hardened parallel-ground washers for proper load distribution and torque accuracy. ARP's installation instructions specifically identify 234-4316 for Chevy LS Series 2003 and earlier applications.

KEY FEATURES

• ARP Pro Series cylinder head stud kit
• ARP Part Number: 234-4316
• Designed for early GM Gen III LS applications
• Intended for 2003-and-earlier configurations
• 12-point nuts
• 8740 chromoly steel construction
• Heat-treated fasteners
• Black oxide finish
• Hardened parallel-ground washers
• Multiple stud lengths for the early unequal-depth LS head bolt configuration
• Precision centerless-ground studs
• Threads rolled after heat treatment
• Designed for high-performance street, performance and racing engine builds
• Complete cylinder head stud kit

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS / PRODUCT DETAILS

ARP's current product page identifies 234-4316 as the SB Chevy LS1 Pro-Series through '03 12-point head stud kit, while the current ARP installation instructions specify Chevy LS Series applications from 2003 and earlier.

VEHICLE FITMENT / FITS THE FOLLOWING MODELS

Primary Applications

• 1997-2003 Chevrolet LS1
• 1997-2003 Chevrolet LS6
• 1997-2003 GM Gen III LS applications using the early unequal-depth head-fastener configuration

The supplied Hawks application specifically identifies the kit for LS1/LS6 up to 2003. ARP's official documentation identifies the application more broadly as Chevy LS Series, 2003 and earlier.

Additional Applications Reported by Current Retailer Data

Current industry listings also identify 234-4316 with several early LS-based engine applications, including:

• 4.8L LS-based engines
• 5.3L LS-based engines
• 5.7L LS-based engines
• 6.0L LS-based engines

These broader applications should only be considered when the engine has the early unequal-depth cylinder-head fastener configuration covered by 234-4316. Do not determine fitment solely by engine displacement or vehicle year.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES AND EXCLUSIONS

• 234-4316 is the early LS 12-point head stud kit.
• ARP identifies the kit for 2003 and earlier Chevy LS Series applications.
• The early configuration uses different stud lengths because the cylinder-head bolt holes are not all the same depth.
• Do not automatically substitute 234-4316 for 234-4317.
• ARP identifies 234-4317 as the later LS head stud kit for the different 2004-and-later configuration.
• Some early 2004 engines may retain the earlier unequal-depth configuration. Verify the actual block configuration rather than relying solely on the vehicle model year.
• The kit is for 12-point nuts.
• Hardened parallel-ground washers are included.
• Verify the exact block and head configuration before ordering.

Important 2003/2004 Fitment Note

The change from the early to later LS head-fastener configuration occurred around the 2004 model-year transition. ARP's application guide separates 234-4316 for the earlier Gen III configuration from 234-4317 for the later configuration. Therefore, a 2004 engine should not be selected solely by calendar year; the block's head-bolt-hole configuration should be verified.

INSTALLATION NOTES

• Verify the engine block's cylinder-head fastener configuration before installation.
• Clean all cylinder-head and block threads before assembly.
• ARP recommends chasing the block threads when necessary to remove debris, old sealer or contaminants.
• ARP's instructions identify M11x2.0 and M8x1.25 thread chasers for the applicable block threads.
• Install the studs hand tight into the block; do not torque the studs into the block.
• Clean the cylinder-head washer seating surfaces before assembly.
• ARP specifies that the washer and cylinder-head mating surfaces remain clean and dry for consistent clamp loads.
• Apply ARP Ultra-Torque assembly lubricant as specified by the current ARP instructions.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended cylinder-head tightening sequence.
• Use the current ARP torque procedure rather than assuming a generic LS torque specification.
• ARP's current installation instructions specify staged torque procedures for the applicable fasteners. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is ARP 234-4316?

ARP 234-4316 is a Pro Series 12-point cylinder head stud kit for early GM Gen III LS applications. ARP identifies it specifically for Chevy LS Series engines from 2003 and earlier.

Will ARP 234-4316 fit an LS1?

Yes. The 234-4316 is specifically identified for LS1 applications through 2003.

Will ARP 234-4316 fit an LS6?

Yes, when the LS6 uses the early unequal-depth cylinder-head fastener configuration covered by this kit.

Is 234-4316 a bolt kit or a stud kit?

It is a cylinder head stud kit, not a conventional head-bolt kit. The studs install into the engine block and are secured with the supplied 12-point nuts.

Why is 234-4316 different from 234-4317?

The two kits are designed for different LS cylinder-head fastener configurations. 234-4316 is for the earlier configuration with different stud lengths, while 234-4317 is for the later configuration.

Does 234-4316 fit a 2004 LS engine?

Not automatically. Some early 2004 engines can retain the earlier unequal-depth configuration, but other 2004 engines use the later configuration. The actual block should be verified before selecting the kit.

Are the nuts 12-point?

Yes. ARP 234-4316 uses 12-point nuts.

Are washers included?

Yes. The kit includes hardened parallel-ground washers.

What material are the studs made from?

The studs are manufactured from 8740 chromoly steel and heat treated. Current ARP-related documentation and retailer specifications identify the kit as 8740 material.

What finish does the kit have?

The studs use a black oxide finish.

Can 234-4316 be used on an LS3?

Do not assume LS3 compatibility based solely on engine family. LS3 engines generally use the later head-fastener configuration, so the specific block configuration must be verified before using an early 234-4316 kit.