Head Studs

Head Studs: The Clamping Upgrade That Holds a Built Engine Together

Head studs replace the factory head bolts that clamp the cylinder head to the block. Instead of threading a bolt in and stretching it against the deck every time you torque it, you install the stud into the block hand-tight, then torque a nut down onto it. That gives you more even, more repeatable clamping load across the head gasket, which is exactly what you want once you are running boost, higher compression, or a fresh gasket. Anyone who has chased a lifted head or a blown gasket on a boosted motor knows why head studs are one of the first things that go in during an engine build.

What We Stock

There are 57 products in this category, drawn from two brands: ARP, which makes up 56 of them, and Skunk2 Racing with a single kit. Prices run from $27 to $984, which is the current range for what is in stock right now, not a fixed price. That spread reflects the difference between a small hardware set and a full high-strength kit. At the top sits the ARP Nissan VR38 CA625 Head Stud Kit and the ARP RB26DETT Custom Age 625+ kit, both aimed at high-output Nissan sixes. For Honda and Acura B- and K-series builds, the Skunk2 B and K Series Head Studs cover B18 VTEC, K20 and K24 motors.

Fitment data is on 8 of these products. Named vehicles include the Toyota Supra, Lexus IS300, Audi RS3, Audi TT-RS, BMW 318i and 320i, VW Golf and VW Jetta, with product names also referencing Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Ford, GMC, Honda and Acura applications.

How to Choose

The main decision here is matching the kit to your engine and your power target. A base ARP kit gives you a solid upgrade over factory bolts for most builds. The Custom Age 625+ and CA625 kits carry the highest price because they are built for the biggest cylinder pressure, so they only make sense if your combination genuinely needs that headroom. Buying a $984 kit for a mild build is money you do not need to spend, and buying the cheapest set for a high-boost motor is the wrong end of the trade. Confirm the exact engine code before ordering, since a stud kit that fits a K20 will not fit an RB26.

What Else You Need

Head studs are almost never bought alone. Plan to replace the head gasket any time the head comes off, and a full gasket kit covers the rest of the seals you disturb. If the engine is already apart, look at pistons and bearings while you are in there. Browse the full Engine Components section for related hardware like fittings and oil filters.

Fitment Help and Ordering

Every order ships with free shipping, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available through our financing options. If you are not sure which kit matches your engine, call our team for fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you buy.

Head Studs: The Clamping Upgrade That Holds a Built Engine Together

Head studs replace the factory head bolts that clamp the cylinder head to the block. Instead of threading a bolt in and stretching it against the deck every time you torque it, you install the stud into the block hand-tight, then torque a nut down onto it. That gives you more even, more repeatable clamping load across the head gasket, which is exactly what you want once you are running boost, higher compression, or a fresh gasket. Anyone who has chased a lifted head or a blown gasket on a boosted motor knows why head studs are one of the first things that go in during an engine build.

What We Stock

There are 57 products in this category, drawn from two brands: ARP, which makes up 56 of them, and Skunk2 Racing with a single kit. Prices run from $27 to $984, which is the current range for what is in stock right now, not a fixed price. That spread reflects the difference between a small hardware set and a full high-strength kit. At the top sits the ARP Nissan VR38 CA625 Head Stud Kit and the ARP RB26DETT Custom Age 625+ kit, both aimed at high-output Nissan sixes. For Honda and Acura B- and K-series builds, the Skunk2 B and K Series Head Studs cover B18 VTEC, K20 and K24 motors.

Fitment data is on 8 of these products. Named vehicles include the Toyota Supra, Lexus IS300, Audi RS3, Audi TT-RS, BMW 318i and 320i, VW Golf and VW Jetta, with product names also referencing Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Ford, GMC, Honda and Acura applications.

How to Choose

The main decision here is matching the kit to your engine and your power target. A base ARP kit gives you a solid upgrade over factory bolts for most builds. The Custom Age 625+ and CA625 kits carry the highest price because they are built for the biggest cylinder pressure, so they only make sense if your combination genuinely needs that headroom. Buying a $984 kit for a mild build is money you do not need to spend, and buying the cheapest set for a high-boost motor is the wrong end of the trade. Confirm the exact engine code before ordering, since a stud kit that fits a K20 will not fit an RB26.

What Else You Need

Head studs are almost never bought alone. Plan to replace the head gasket any time the head comes off, and a full gasket kit covers the rest of the seals you disturb. If the engine is already apart, look at pistons and bearings while you are in there. Browse the full Engine Components section for related hardware like fittings and oil filters.

Fitment Help and Ordering

Every order ships with free shipping, and Affirm and Katapult financing is available through our financing options. If you are not sure which kit matches your engine, call our team for fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you buy.