Product Description:
Hawks Motorsports is pleased to offer our clients the following 234-5608 LS1/LS6/LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 4-Bolt Main Stud Kit from ARP. This main stud kit is designed for GM Gen III LS-series and GMPP LSX blocks with four-bolt main caps. The kit features 8740 chromoly steel studs with a black oxide finish, high-strength nuts and hardened washers. ARP identifies the 234-5608 for Chevrolet LS Gen III applications and GMPP LSX blocks.
For an LS engine that's getting more than just a weekend cruise, the bottom end is where you want your hardware game to be serious. Swapping the factory main fasteners for ARP studs is the kind of upgrade that belongs in a properly built LS, especially when you're assembling an engine with performance goals in mind. The black oxide finish, beefy studs and ARP hardware give the bottom end that unmistakable race-engine look while providing the builder with premium fasteners for a fresh engine assembly.
The studs are manufactured from 8740 chromoly steel and heat treated for high tensile strength. ARP uses precision-machined and thread-rolled fasteners, while the kit includes the necessary nuts and washers for the main-cap installation. The kit also includes provisions for the factory windage tray and side bolts.
KEY FEATURES
- ARP Part Number: 234-5608
- Brand: ARP
- 4-bolt main stud kit
- GM LS-series application
- GMPP LSX block application
- 8740 chromoly steel construction
- Black oxide finish
- High-strength main studs
- 12-point nuts
- Hardened washers
- Side bolts included
- Works with the factory windage tray
- Precision-machined and thread-rolled fasteners
- Designed for engine rebuilding and performance applications
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ARP |
| Part Number | 234-5608 |
| Product Type | Main Stud Kit |
| Application | GM LS-Series / LSX |
| Main Cap Style | 4-Bolt |
| Fastener Type | Main Studs |
| Material | 8740 Chromoly Steel |
| Finish | Black Oxide |
| Nut Style | 12-Point |
| Washers | Included |
| Side Bolts | Included |
| Windage Tray Compatible | Yes |
| Tensile Strength | Approximately 190,000–200,000 psi, depending on published source |
| Quantity | Complete Kit |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 4.15 lb |
| Shipping Dimensions | Approx. 8.70" × 4.20" × 2.20" |
ARP's current product information identifies 234-5608 as the Chevrolet LS Gen III/GMPP LSX main stud kit. Retailer specifications identify it as a four-bolt main kit with studs, nuts, washers and factory-windage-tray compatibility.
VEHICLE FITMENT / FITS THE FOLLOWING MODELS
Verified Engine Applications
- Chevrolet LS1 5.7L
- Chevrolet LS6 5.7L
- GM 4.8L LS
- GM 5.3L LS
- GM 6.0L LS
- GM LSX / GMPP LSX blocks
The ARP manufacturer listing identifies the kit for Chevrolet LS Gen III and GMPP LSX blocks. Current industry listings additionally identify LS1/LS6 and various 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L LS applications.
Common Vehicle Applications
Depending on the exact engine and block configuration, applicable LS engines were installed in vehicles including:
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet SSR
- GMC Sierra
- GMC Yukon
- Pontiac GTO
Important: Fitment is determined by the engine block and main-cap configuration, not simply the vehicle year or model.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES AND EXCLUSIONS
- This kit is intended for four-bolt main LS applications.
- ARP identifies 234-5608 for GM LS Gen III and GMPP LSX blocks.
- The kit includes provisions for the factory windage tray.
- Side bolts are included.
- The current ARP listing identifies this as a Gen III LS/GMPP LSX main stud kit.
- Some secondary listings expand the application range to additional Gen IV LS engines. Verify the specific block before ordering rather than relying solely on engine displacement.
- Do not assume this kit fits every LS-based block. Main-cap configuration and block design must be verified.
- A new LT1 application requires a different ARP main fastener kit; 234-5608 should not be substituted for the LT1-specific application.
- Windage tray is not included with the stud kit.
INSTALLATION NOTES
- Follow the current ARP installation instructions for 234-5608.
- Thoroughly clean the block's main-cap fastener holes before assembly.
- Verify that the main caps and block are correctly positioned before installing the studs.
- Use the ARP-recommended lubricant and torque specifications.
- Torque the main fasteners in the sequence specified for the engine/block configuration.
- Verify proper stud depth and thread engagement.
- Confirm main-cap alignment and bearing clearances during engine assembly.
- When changing from factory main bolts to studs during an engine build, the builder should verify the required machining and bearing-clearance procedures for the particular block.
- Follow the engine manufacturer's specifications for final main-cap assembly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ARP 234-5608?
ARP 234-5608 is a four-bolt main stud kit for GM LS-series Gen III engines and GMPP LSX blocks.
What engines does 234-5608 fit?
The primary ARP application is Chevrolet LS Gen III and GMPP LSX blocks. Commonly listed applications include LS1, LS6, 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L LS engines.
Is this a 4-bolt main kit?
Yes. ARP 234-5608 is specified for 4-bolt main applications.
What are the studs made from?
The studs are manufactured from 8740 chromoly steel and are heat treated for high tensile strength.
What finish does the kit have?
The studs have a black oxide finish.
Are nuts and washers included?
Yes. The kit includes high-strength nuts and hardened washers.
Are the side bolts included?
Yes. Current application information states that the kit includes side bolts.
Will the kit work with the factory windage tray?
Yes. The application information identifies compatibility with the factory windage tray.
Does this kit fit an LSX block?
Yes. ARP specifically identifies 234-5608 for GMPP LSX blocks.
Can this kit be used on an LT1?
No. The newer Gen V LT1 uses a different main fastener application. Current application information specifically identifies another ARP part number for the new LT1.
Does installing main studs require machining?
The required machining depends on the specific block, existing main-cap condition and engine-building procedure. Main bearing clearances and main-cap alignment should be verified during a professional engine build rather than assuming the stud installation alone establishes final alignment.