ARP Shows off Fasteners For Every Application

We spoke with Chris Raschke, Director of Sales and New Products at ARP, to get the latest for 2010. New this year is their Ultra Lube Fastener Assembly Lubricant. This is the stuff ARP uses to set the torque specs for their fasteners. It’s used to precisely duplicate the ARP fastener preload specifications. Never try to assemble engine fasteners dry. When tightened, dry uncoated fasteners use up about 95% of the applied torque simply by overcoming the friction between the male and female threads!

For the Ford Modular family, ARP has a new Pressure Plate Kit and a Main Stud Kit. They are also expanding their line with a 3Valve Main Stud Kit. The importance of pressure plate bolts in a racing or hi-performance street application cannot be emphasized nearly enough. These fasteners play a key role in both the performance and safety of a vehicle. Because of this, ARP has developed special pressure plate bolts that are application specific to ensure the optimum grip length. ARP recommends the use of Main Studs over bolts whenever possible for several key reasons.

First, studs have the ability to obtain more accurate torque readings because studs don’t “twist” into the block. Additionally, there is less force exerted on the block threads, which contributes to improved block life (which is very critical on Modular 3V aluminum blocks). Finally, there is easier engine assembly and proper alignment of caps every time when using these Main Studs.

On the towing side, ARP is offering Head Stud Kits for all of the popular diesels, including 6.9L Ford / International, 6.0L & 7.3L Ford / PowerStroke, 5.9L Cummings / Dodge in both 12V and 24V, and GM 6.6L Duramax. Diesels have much higher cylinder pressures than gas engines at stock power levels. If you’re increasing boost for towing your big, heavy trailer, you’re just asking for head gasket failure if you’re not using one of these kits. Seal it with the best available kit on the market today, and rest assured knowing that ARP uses a premium grade 8740 alloy that is rated far superior to “aircraft” quality.