Head stud shootout: See how ARP stacks up to new competition

If you’re slapping on a supercharger, turbocharger or cranking up the boost from your already-installed power adders, you’re probably in the market for a set of head studs. Because of the increased cylinder pressure, you want to make sure that whatever you have clamping your head to your block doesn’t stretch or deform under the added stress of higher-cylinder pressures. That means sourcing a set of aftermarket head studs or bolts that are rated to handle the pressures you plan on throwing at your engine. Head studs have some distinct advantages over bolts — namely ease of assembly and knowing that your gasket and head are both in the right spots. There’s more to it than just that, of course; studs generally provide more accurate torque loading.

The usual go-to for high-quality head studs is ARP, or Automotive Racing Products — a fastener company from California. The company makes bolts and studs for thousands of engine parts and applications, and is almost synonymous with performance engines. The folks at Power Driven Diesel are testing the known quantity — an ARP head stud — against a new competitor from a company called IFG, or Innovative Fastener Group.

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