ARP head bolts vs GM TTY head bolts on an LS: which for a build?

Stock GM head bolts are torque-to-yield (TTY): tightened to a torque, then turned a set angle. They stretch in use, and Summit's install guide is blunt: never reuse old TTY bolts. If you're keeping stock-style bolts, buy new ones and follow the torque-plus-angle sequence (see LS head bolt torque specs).

ARP bolts or studs are reusable aftermarket fasteners with their own torque specs and lubricant — Summit's spec sheets say to follow the instructions that come with aftermarket hardware, not the GM angle procedure.

When builders step up: Speedway's power recipes add head studs once they push the engine:

• the 600 hp heads/cam 6.0 recipe uses ARP 2000 head studs;
• the 700 hp turbo 5.3 recipe uses an LS 12-point head stud kit.

Speedway's cam-swap-level recipes (400–450 hp 5.3) don't add head studs; its 600+ hp recipes do. Whichever you use, follow the maker's instructions for thread prep, lubricant and torque.