Stripped LS Block Threads? ARP’s Block Saver Kits Can Save The Day

There’s nothing like the frustration of tearing down a perfectly good LS engine only to discover that the threads in the block are basically trashed. Whether you’re dealing with damaged head bolt holes or stripped main cap threads, what started as a routine rebuild can quickly turn into an expensive headache. Not to mention, depending on the extent of the damage, your otherwise usable block might be headed straight for the scrap pile.

Fortunately, the pros at ARP have developed an innovative solution that could save LS enthusiasts some serious coin. Rather than tossing a damaged block, ARP’s “Block Saver” Kits allow builders to restore critical fastener locations while maintaining the clamping strength needed for high-performance applications.

Bigger Threads On Stronger Studs

Designed for Gen III and Gen IV LS engines, ARP’s repair stud kits feature oversized 1/2-13 threads on the block end while retaining standard 7/16-20 threads up top. This allows the damaged thread bore to be properly machined and tapped for larger fasteners, providing a fresh foundation for securing the heads. Of course, because we’re talking about ARP, these aren’t ordinary replacement studs.

The company offers two versions of the head stud kit. One is manufactured from its proprietary ARP2000 material, which carries a nominal tensile strength rating of 220,000 psi. For builders looking for even greater strength, ARP has introduced a new kit (PN: 434-4348) featuring Custom Age 625+ studs that are rated between 260,000 and 280,000 psi. That’s some serious clamping force that’s especially helpful when you’re trying to keep the caps on a high-horsepower LS monster.

Cylinder heads aren’t the only components that can suffer from damaged threads. ARP also offers a main stud repair kit specifically designed for aluminum Racing Head Service (RHS) blocks. The main stud kit (PN: 234-5803) uses the same proprietary ARP2000 alloy steel as the aforementioned head studs, so you know you’re getting quality components.

The Fastener Of Champions 

Like all of ARP’s premium fasteners, these studs are manufactured from carefully selected alloys and centerless ground for concentricity. Their threads are rolled after heat treatment rather than cut, a process ARP says can provide up to 20 times the fatigue life of ordinary studs. For anyone who’s invested serious money into an LS engine, that’s welcome news.

ARP’s latest catalog features these repair kits alongside more than 5,500 other applications. Additional information is available at www.ARPcatalog.com, or builders can contact the company’’s technical department at 800-826-3045.

Of course, a damaged block still needs to be inspected and properly machined before installing oversized studs. But when the alternative is replacing an expensive engine block, having another repair option is certainly worth considering. So remember: just because a few threads have given up doesn’t mean the entire block needs to go with them.