ARP 12 Point Connecting Rod Bolts & Nuts

[henryford2]

Anyone have experience using ARP 12 point connecting rods bolts & nuts? Building a stroker engine where camshaft clearance may be a problem. If you've used them and are satisfied with the experience, part numbers would be helpful, bolts or nuts. Any threaded locking compound used on these? Thanks

[Craig Leach]

I have not used the ARP bolts. I have used stock Chevy rod bolts & nuts on a few occasions. The bolts are a very tight fit in the rods, I hit them on a belt sander to make them fit better. The nuts are smaller than castellated nuts which gives you more rotating clearance and the bolts are near the same as the stock bolts. I don't think the 12 point bolts will give you more clearance if that is important. Most people that build small block Chevy's replace the rod bolts because they are so cheap and the used ones are far better than the stock T bolts and some times are free or cheap. As I understand the LS bolts are not to be reused no mater what. As far as locking compound it should not be needed with good factory Stover nuts at the proper torque.
Craig.

[henryford2]

thanks Craig, I've also used the small block Chevy bolts in the past, just spitballing to see what other options that may be out there.