LZ9 LZG Custom Studs soon for sale

[NateD4]

I'm finally placing an order for custom main and head studs for the LZ engines. It appears ARP has discontinued the main studs for the 2.8L which supposedly fit.

So... I decided to place an order for them to my spec.

The head studs are about .180" longer than stock for better thread engagement.

The mains are about 0.080" longer than stock.

If anyone is interested in placing an order let me know.

These are all 200KSI tensile strength studs with cold rolled threads.

[ForcedFirebird]

Studs are available on WOT-Tech. If the 3900 uses the same as a 2.8 then they are the same as any earlier motor (3.4, 3.1 etc).

http://wot-tech.com/shop/gm-60v6/3500/3900-vvt-arp-head-stud-kit/prod_250.html

http://wot-tech.com/shop/gm-60v6/main-stud-kit/prod_91.html

[NateD4]

Last I checked the ARP studs for the 2.8L fit the LZ however were not an exact fit for the factory bolts.

As an example I've read people have to modify the bolts or nuts to hold the windage tray on the mains.

I'm guessing the head studs I'm getting are almost identical to the head studs ARP makes (I assume thats what WOT carries).

The main studs however will have 11mm on one side and 8mm thread on the other for the windage tray fasteners just like the factory bolts.

I also think I've made them a bit longer. Not 100% sure though what length is on either main or head studs from ARP/WOT.

But if anyone needs a set, I had to order more then one, so I'll have them.

[SappySE107]

The studs we have require the tray to be modified, by drilling the holes for the stud size. Your setup would certainly be nicer for installation, though I don't believe the main or head studs from ARP are too short for our application. Are you able to post a price for the parts you had made?

[NateD4]

I'll know final pricing once they are delivered in a week or so.

The reason these are longer is merely my request. I took all the head bolts and screwed them into the block until they stopped (finger tight). Then measured the under-head length and did some math to figure out the max thread engagement length in the block. Essentially the studs I'm having made will give me 100% thread engagement in the block I have. this is a few extra threads over stock. I figure no sense putting studs in unless you pick up a bit of extra thread to handle a higher load. So these studs are as long a will fit a stock block without drill and tapping the thread further.

I presume GM uses thread rolling taps rather then pure cutting taps for a bit of extra strength.

Any idea how many sets of these people might be interested in?

[SappySE107]

We have sold 0 head studs and maybe 6 sets of main studs in the past 2 years.

[NateD4]

Well if you want any custom for any application let me know.

[ForcedFirebird]

Well if you want any custom for any application let me know.

We can get studs for just about any configuration, problem becomes price. For instance we sell BMW head studs. Nothing is made specific for the engine so we call ARP and have them make up an order. The cost was well over $200 (14studs) when you can buy a kit containing those studs (for another vehicle) for far less since they are in kit form, even though they are the same exact studs.

[NateD4]

I'm hoping my prices will be more reasonable then ARP, however I'll have to wait and see.

[ForcedFirebird]

People might be interested in proven products. Curious to see the price and outcome.

[NateD4]

Yeah I can understand that? I'll have two samples tensile tested. But really making bolts for a bolt making company is pretty simple. Tell them the material, heat treat, and tensile strength and you should get a quality bolt. Not sure how much more proof is needed.

[geoffinbc]

I agree ARP makes good stuff. I highly doubt they have any low quality blanks. But like others in this thread have said unless you can provide a better price or a significant advantage over your competitor your not going to sell too much.

I have sold a lot of stuff over the years. Both custom made from scratch and modified stock parts. The 60 degree market really is not big. The best thing I have ever sold is the big bore TBI kit. Thankfully there is a lot of 3.4L swappers out there But the custom parts like header flanges did not sell that fast even though they were only $50 shipped anywhere in North America and in Canadian funds. So for a while American buyers were paying around $35~40 which is a screaming deal for one off parts.