Hawks Motorsports is pleased to offer our clients the 2004 & Up LS6/LS2 12-Point Cylinder Head Stud Kit, ARP 234-4317. This ARP Pro Series head stud kit is designed for compatible 2004-and-newer GM LS applications using the same-length stud configuration. The kit features 8740 chromoly steel studs, 12-point nuts and hardened parallel-ground washers.

If you're putting together an LS that is meant to stay together when the boost, compression, RPM and cylinder pressure start climbing, head fasteners are one of those areas where quality matters. ARP's 234-4317 gives an LS build a serious upgrade over standard factory-style head fasteners while making cylinder-head installation and torque procedures easier to manage. The 12-point nuts are especially builder-friendly when you're working around the tight confines of an LS cylinder head.

The Pro Series studs are cold forged for material integrity and heat treated before thread rolling and machining. ARP specifies 8740 chromoly construction and a nominal 200,000-psi strength rating for this Pro Series fastener family. Hardened, parallel-ground washers are included to promote even load distribution and accurate torque readings.

KEY FEATURES

• ARP Pro Series cylinder head stud kit
• ARP Part Number: 234-4317
• Designed for 2004-and-newer compatible GM LS applications
• 12-point nuts
• 8740 chromoly steel construction
• Heat-treated fasteners
• Black oxide finish
• Hardened parallel-ground washers included
• Same-length stud configuration
• Cold-forged construction
• Thread rolled after heat treatment
• Designed for high-performance LS engine builds
• Sold as a complete cylinder head stud kit

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS / PRODUCT DETAILS

ARP's current product page identifies 234-4317 as an LS Pro Series 2004 application, while current ARP documentation identifies the part as an 8740 head stud kit for mid-2004 and later Gen IV LS applications. Retailer specifications confirm the 8740 material, black oxide finish, 12-point head/nut configuration and washers.

VEHICLE FITMENT / FITS THE FOLLOWING MODELS

GM LS Applications

The supplied application is:

• LS6 5.7L — 2004 & Up
• LS2 6.0L — 2004 & Up

ARP and current application data also identify 234-4317 for compatible 2004-and-later Gen III/Gen IV LS engines using the same-length stud configuration. Other current catalogs list applications including LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7 and several truck-based LS engines. Because cylinder-head and block configurations can vary, application should be confirmed against the specific engine before ordering.

Common Compatible LS Applications Reported by Current Listings

• LS1 5.7L — late/2004 applications using the applicable same-length configuration
• LS2 6.0L
• LS3 6.2L
• LS6 5.7L
• 4.8L LS truck engines where the same-length 2004+ configuration applies
• 5.3L LS truck engines where the same-length 2004+ configuration applies
• 6.0L LS truck engines where the same-length 2004+ configuration applies

Important: Do not determine fitment solely from engine displacement. GM used different cylinder-head fastener configurations during the LS production period.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES AND EXCLUSIONS

• 234-4317 is for the 2004-and-later/same-length stud configuration.
• Earlier LS engines can use a different head-fastener configuration and should not automatically be considered compatible.
• Some 2004 model-year engines require special attention because GM transitioned between earlier and later head-fastener configurations.
• Verify that the engine uses the same-length stud configuration before ordering.
• The kit uses 12-point nuts.
• Hardened parallel-ground washers are included.
• LSA-specific applications should use the appropriate LSA head stud kit rather than assuming 234-4317 is correct.
• Always verify the exact block and cylinder-head combination before installation.
• The supplied product title specifically identifies LS6/LS2 applications; broader LS fitment should be confirmed against the specific engine configuration.

A current ARP application guide distinguishes 234-4317 from several other LS head stud kits, including separate kits for earlier LS configurations and LSA applications.

INSTALLATION NOTES

• Verify the block and cylinder-head configuration before installation.
• Confirm that the engine uses the 2004-and-later same-length stud arrangement.
• Clean and inspect the cylinder-head and block threads before installation.
• Follow the current ARP installation instructions for stud installation, lubricant requirements and torque procedures.
• Install the hardened parallel-ground washers in the locations specified by the ARP instructions.
• Use the appropriate torque sequence for the specific LS engine and gasket combination.
• Do not substitute torque specifications from a different ARP stud kit.
• After installation, verify that all studs, washers and nuts are correctly positioned and that there is adequate clearance.
• Always follow the latest manufacturer installation documentation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is ARP 234-4317?

ARP 234-4317 is a Pro Series cylinder head stud kit for compatible 2004-and-later GM LS applications using the same-length stud configuration. It includes 12-point nuts and hardened parallel-ground washers.

Will 234-4317 fit an LS6?

Yes, 234-4317 is listed for compatible 2004-and-later LS6 applications using the applicable same-length configuration.

Will 234-4317 fit an LS2?

Yes. Current application information identifies 234-4317 for the 2004-and-later LS configuration, including LS2 applications.

Does 234-4317 fit all LS engines?

No. The engine must use the appropriate 2004-and-later same-length stud configuration. Earlier LS configurations and specialized applications can require different ARP kits.

Are the nuts 12-point?

Yes. The 234-4317 kit uses 12-point nuts.

Are washers included?

Yes. ARP's Pro Series kits include hardened parallel-ground washers for even load distribution and accurate torque readings.

What material are the studs made from?

The studs are manufactured from 8740 chromoly steel.

What finish does the 234-4317 kit use?

The fasteners have a black oxide finish.

Does 234-4317 fit an LSA?

The LSA should not automatically be considered compatible with 234-4317. ARP identifies a dedicated LSA head stud kit, 234-4346, so the LSA-specific application should use the appropriate LSA kit.

What is different about the 2004-and-later LS head stud configuration?

The later LS configuration uses the same-length stud arrangement covered by 234-4317. Earlier LS configurations use different stud/bolt lengths, which is why ARP offers separate kits.