Head Stud Kits

Head Stud Kits: Clamp The Head Down So Boost Can't Lift It

Head stud kits replace the factory head bolts that hold the cylinder head to the block. A stud threads into the block first and stays put; you then torque a nut onto it, so the clamping load is more consistent and the fastener isn't twisting as it stretches the way a bolt does. That matters most on turbo and high-cylinder-pressure builds, where stock bolts can let the head lift and push out the head gasket. If you're chasing boost, running a bigger power target, or just doing a gasket job on an engine that's been leaking, upgrading to studs is the honest fix.

Studs also make future teardowns cleaner. Because the stud stays in the block, the head lifts straight up off the deck instead of dragging bolt threads through the gasket surface.

What's stocked here

We carry 38 head stud kits across two brands: ARP (37 of the 38 kits) and Skunk2 Racing (1 kit). Current in-stock pricing runs from $158 to $1,058 — that's the live range for what's on the shelf, not a fixed promise. At the top sits the ARP Porsche 911-930 turbo SS kit at $1,058, with the ARP Toyota Supra B58 CA625+ kit at $851.99 for the newer inline-six crowd. The Skunk2 16-21 Honda Civic L15B7 kit lands at $176.19 for the turbo Civic platform.

Of these kits, 19 carry specific fitment data spanning model years 1970 through 2024. Named coverage includes BMW, Ford, Audi, Dodge, Volkswagen, Mini, Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Mitsubishi and Honda — down to vehicles like the Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, BMW 2002, Mini Cooper, BMW M3, Nissan GT-R, Toyota Supra, Audi S4 and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

How to choose

The two decisions are platform and material grade. First, match the kit to your exact engine — a B58 Supra kit and an L15B7 Civic kit are not interchangeable, so confirm your engine code, not just the model. Second, some ARP kits are offered in higher-strength material specs (the Supra kit above is a CA625+ example). If you're near stock power, the standard grade is usually plenty; if you're pushing serious cylinder pressure, the upgraded material is worth the spend. Price tracks both platform complexity and material, which is why the range here is wide.

What else you need with it

A head stud job is a head-off job, so plan the supporting parts. You'll want fresh head gaskets or a full gasket kit since you can't reuse the old one. If the head's already off, it's the moment to inspect bearings and, on a power build, plan pistons. While you're in there, check cooling and supply with radiators and fuel pumps. Browse the full Engine Components section for the rest.

Fitment help and ordering

Not sure which kit fits your engine code? Call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you order. Every order ships free, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available on the higher-priced kits.

Head Stud Kits: Clamp The Head Down So Boost Can't Lift It

Head stud kits replace the factory head bolts that hold the cylinder head to the block. A stud threads into the block first and stays put; you then torque a nut onto it, so the clamping load is more consistent and the fastener isn't twisting as it stretches the way a bolt does. That matters most on turbo and high-cylinder-pressure builds, where stock bolts can let the head lift and push out the head gasket. If you're chasing boost, running a bigger power target, or just doing a gasket job on an engine that's been leaking, upgrading to studs is the honest fix.

Studs also make future teardowns cleaner. Because the stud stays in the block, the head lifts straight up off the deck instead of dragging bolt threads through the gasket surface.

What's stocked here

We carry 38 head stud kits across two brands: ARP (37 of the 38 kits) and Skunk2 Racing (1 kit). Current in-stock pricing runs from $158 to $1,058 — that's the live range for what's on the shelf, not a fixed promise. At the top sits the ARP Porsche 911-930 turbo SS kit at $1,058, with the ARP Toyota Supra B58 CA625+ kit at $851.99 for the newer inline-six crowd. The Skunk2 16-21 Honda Civic L15B7 kit lands at $176.19 for the turbo Civic platform.

Of these kits, 19 carry specific fitment data spanning model years 1970 through 2024. Named coverage includes BMW, Ford, Audi, Dodge, Volkswagen, Mini, Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Mitsubishi and Honda — down to vehicles like the Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, BMW 2002, Mini Cooper, BMW M3, Nissan GT-R, Toyota Supra, Audi S4 and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

How to choose

The two decisions are platform and material grade. First, match the kit to your exact engine — a B58 Supra kit and an L15B7 Civic kit are not interchangeable, so confirm your engine code, not just the model. Second, some ARP kits are offered in higher-strength material specs (the Supra kit above is a CA625+ example). If you're near stock power, the standard grade is usually plenty; if you're pushing serious cylinder pressure, the upgraded material is worth the spend. Price tracks both platform complexity and material, which is why the range here is wide.

What else you need with it

A head stud job is a head-off job, so plan the supporting parts. You'll want fresh head gaskets or a full gasket kit since you can't reuse the old one. If the head's already off, it's the moment to inspect bearings and, on a power build, plan pistons. While you're in there, check cooling and supply with radiators and fuel pumps. Browse the full Engine Components section for the rest.

Fitment help and ordering

Not sure which kit fits your engine code? Call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you order. Every order ships free, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available on the higher-priced kits.