When building or rebuilding a high-performance engine, every component matters. The camshaft sprocket bolts are a critical, yet often overlooked, link in your valvetrain’s timing system. Using inferior hardware can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in bent valves and severe engine damage. For peace of mind and optimal performance, upgrading to high-strength ARP cam bolts is a smart and essential investment.
ARP (Automotive Racing Products) is the industry leader in fastener technology, renowned for its superior materials and manufacturing processes. Their cam bolts are engineered to withstand extreme stresses and harmonics that can cause stock or generic bolts to stretch, loosen, or break. This roundup highlights the best ARP cam bolt kits and related assemblies to ensure your engine’s timing remains precise and reliable, whether you’re running a stock daily driver or a high-RPM race machine.
Our Top Picks for ARP Cam Bolts
- ARP 134-1003 Cam Bolt Kit for LS1 Chevy
- Michigan Motorsports LS Timing Chain Set with ARP Cam Bolts
- Michigan Motorsports 1-Bolt to 3-Bolt LS Cam Gear Conversion Kit
- ARP 134-1003 High Performance Cam Sprocket Bolt Kit
- ARP 2341001 Pro Series Cam Bolt Kit for Chevrolet
- LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit Compatible with LS
- ARP (151-1001) Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit
- ARP 100-7501 Black Oxide Camshaft Bolt Kit
- ARP 134-1001 Ultra Series Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit
ARP 134-1003 Cam Bolt Kit for LS1 Chevy
This specific kit from ARP is engineered for GM LS1 engines, providing a direct, high-strength replacement for the factory cam bolts. Manufactured in the United States, these bolts are a cornerstone for any LS engine build or repair, ensuring the camshaft sprocket remains securely fastened under all operating conditions.
The kit is designed for a precise fit, guaranteeing easy installation without modification. By upgrading to these bolts, you significantly reduce the risk of timing drift caused by a loose sprocket, which is vital for maintaining engine performance and preventing valve-to-piston contact. This is a fundamental upgrade for reliability.
Michigan Motorsports LS Timing Chain Set with ARP Cam Bolts
This is a comprehensive solution for your LS engine’s timing system. It bundles a high-quality timing chain, cam sprocket, crank gear, and dampener with the crucial addition of genuine ARP cam bolts. This all-in-one package simplifies the sourcing process for a complete timing system overhaul.
Compatible with a wide range of GM LS engines including the 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, and 6.0L variants, this set is built for maximum durability. The timing chain is engineered to resist stretch, while the included ARP bolts ensure the cam gear stays locked in place. This combination provides a significant boost in valvetrain stability and long-term reliability.
Michigan Motorsports 1-Bolt to 3-Bolt LS Cam Gear Conversion Kit
This specialized kit is designed for 58X reluctor wheel engines, such as the LS2 and LS3, that originally used a single-bolt camshaft. It allows you to upgrade to a more robust 3-bolt camshaft design, which offers superior resistance to camshaft walk and provides a more secure connection for high-performance applications.
The kit includes a hardened 3-bolt cam gear and is completed with three genuine ARP 12-point cam bolts. These high-strength fasteners are essential for maintaining proper torque on the triple-bolt pattern, ensuring your cam timing remains absolutely precise even under the extreme forces generated by aggressive camshaft profiles and high RPM operation.
ARP 134-1003 High Performance Cam Sprocket Bolt Kit
This is ARP’s high-performance cam sprocket bolt kit, rated at an impressive 180,000 psi. This high tensile strength makes it a reliable choice for a wide range of Chevrolet engines, offering a significant upgrade over stock fasteners that are prone to stretching and fatigue over time.
The bolts are manufactured to ARP’s stringent quality standards, providing consistent clamping force to keep the cam sprocket firmly in place. This reliability is crucial for maintaining accurate valve timing, which directly affects engine power, efficiency, and overall smoothness. It’s a simple swap with a major impact on engine integrity.
ARP 2341001 Pro Series Cam Bolt Kit
Part of ARP’s renowned Pro Series, this cam bolt kit is engineered for select Chevrolet small and big block applications. It features an exceptional tensile strength rating of 200,000 psi, which is considerably stronger than standard Grade 8 hardware, making it a favorite for serious performance builds.
The kit is designed to put an end to camshaft timing worries. With a 1/2-inch socket size and specific dimensions, these bolts provide a secure and precise fit. The extreme strength ensures that the bolts will not stretch or yield, providing unwavering stability for your camshaft sprocket under the most demanding conditions.
LS Camshaft Retainer Plate Gasket Bolt Kit
This comprehensive kit is designed as a direct replacement for the ARP 134-1003 and numerous OEM part numbers. It includes everything needed for the camshaft retainer plate installation, including the necessary gasket and bolts, making it a complete solution for a common service procedure on LS engines.
Compatible with all GM Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 LS and LT engines, this kit offers broad application coverage. The components are designed for quick installation, with pre-cut bolt holes and a flexible gasket design that allows for a straightforward, tool-free replacement during engine repairs, rebuilds, or performance upgrades.
ARP (151-1001) Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit
The ARP 151-1001 is another high-quality camshaft sprocket bolt kit manufactured in the United States. Like all ARP products, it is built to exacting standards, providing a reliable and strong fastener for critical engine assembly applications where failure is not an option.
This kit is designed for a specific range of engines, offering a perfect fit and optimal performance. By ensuring the cam sprocket is securely fastened, this bolt kit helps maintain precise engine timing, which is fundamental for achieving rated horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency while protecting your engine from costly damage.
ARP 100-7501 Black Oxide Camshaft Bolt Kit
This ARP camshaft bolt kit features a black oxide finish, which provides a classic look along with a degree of corrosion resistance. The finish is also beneficial for reducing glare, a small but appreciated detail in many engine bays.
Beyond its appearance, this kit delivers the same core performance and reliability that ARP is known for. The bolts are manufactured from high-strength material to prevent stretching and loosening, ensuring that your camshaft timing remains stable. It’s a functional upgrade that also adds a touch of style to your engine build.
ARP 134-1001 Ultra Series Camshaft Sprocket Bolt Kit
As part of ARP’s Ultra Series, the 134-1001 kit represents the pinnacle of their cam bolt technology. These fasteners are designed for the most extreme applications where absolute maximum strength and reliability are non-negotiable, such as in professional racing engines.
The kit utilizes the finest materials and most advanced manufacturing processes available to ARP. For builders who demand the very best and are willing to invest in top-tier components, the Ultra Series provides an unparalleled level of security for the camshaft drive system, effectively eliminating the cam bolt as a potential point of failure.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ARP Cam Bolts for Your Vehicle
When I’m building an engine, whether it’s for a daily driver or a weekend race car, I never cut corners on the parts that hold everything together. That’s why ARP (Automotive Racing Products) cam bolts are my go-to. They might seem like small components, but they are absolutely critical for performance and safety. The camshaft controls the engine’s breathing, and if its timing is off because a bolt failed, you’re looking at catastrophic engine damage. Choosing the right set of ARP cam bolts for vehicle performance and safety isn’t just about picking the strongest one; it’s about finding the perfect match for your specific setup.
First, you need to identify your engine’s requirements. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. I always start by checking the thread pitch and length of my stock cam bolts. ARP offers specific kits for popular engines like the GM LS series, Ford Windsor and Modular motors, and Chrysler Hemis. Getting the right fit is step one. Using the wrong bolt can lead to improper clamping force, which defeats the whole purpose of upgrading.
Next, consider the material. ARP typically uses two main types of high-strength steel: 8740 chrome-molybdenum and their premium 2000 series stainless steel. For most street performance and moderate race applications, the 8740 chromoly bolts are fantastic. They are incredibly strong and reliable. If you’re building an engine for a marine environment or a show car where corrosion resistance is a priority, the 2000 series stainless steel bolts are worth the extra investment. They offer exceptional strength while being highly resistant to rust.
Another factor I always look at is the head style. Many ARP cam bolts come with a 12-point head, which I find much easier to torque accurately in tight spaces compared to a standard hex head. This is a small detail that makes a big difference during assembly. Proper installation torque is non-negotiable. I never guess the torque value. ARP provides specific torque specs with their bolts, and they often require a different lubricant than standard engine oil, like their own ARP Ultra-Torque fastener lubricant. Using the right lube ensures you achieve the correct clamp load without over-stressing the bolt.
Finally, think about your engine’s intended use. A stock rebuild might be fine with OEM bolts, but the moment you add a more aggressive camshaft, higher valve spring pressures, or plan to rev the engine higher, you’re putting more stress on those bolts. That’s when the upgrade to ARP becomes essential. For me, it’s a cheap insurance policy. The cost of a set of ARP cam bolts is minuscule compared to the cost of repairing an engine destroyed by a failed factory bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I upgrade to ARP cam bolts instead of reusing my factory ones?
Factory cam bolts are designed to be a cost-effective component that meets the needs of a stock engine. Over time, especially with heat cycles and stress, they can stretch and lose their clamping force. Reusing them is a big risk. ARP bolts are manufactured from superior materials and are heat-treated to maintain their strength and resist stretching under extreme conditions. For me, it’s about reliability. I upgrade to ensure the camshaft stays exactly where I timed it, preventing potential disaster and giving me peace of mind, especially in a modified engine.
What is the proper way to install and torque ARP cam bolts?
Installation is critical. First, I always make sure the threads in the camshaft sprocket and on the bolt itself are clean and free of debris. ARP’s instructions are your best friend here. You must use the lubricant they recommend, which is usually their ARP Ultra-Torque. Do not use engine oil or other generic lubricants, as they create different friction coefficients and will result in an incorrect clamp load. Follow the specific torque sequence and value provided by ARP for your bolt kit. This isn’t a “good and tight” situation; it’s a precise measurement for maximum performance and safety.
Can I use ARP cam bolts on any engine?
ARP makes application-specific kits for a huge range of engines, from classic American V8s to modern import engines. You can’t just grab a random bolt and expect it to fit. You need to find the kit that corresponds to your engine’s make, model, and year. I always check the ARP catalog or website using my engine’s information to find the correct part number. Using the wrong bolt can lead to improper engagement, cross-threading, or a lack of sufficient clamping force, which could cause the sprocket to come loose.
What’s the difference between the standard 8740 and the 2000 series stainless steel bolts?
The main difference lies in the material composition and its properties. The 8740 chrome-molybdenum steel is incredibly strong and is more than sufficient for the vast majority of high-performance street and race engines. The 2000 series stainless steel is ARP’s premium offering. It provides a higher tensile strength and, importantly, excellent corrosion resistance. I choose the 2000 series for engines that will see harsh environments, like marine applications, or for builds where I want the absolute best and am willing to pay a bit more for it.
My factory cam bolt uses a locating pin. Do ARP kits accommodate this?
Yes, many ARP cam bolt kits are designed as direct replacements and include provisions for factory locating pins. These kits often come with a special washer or a bolt that has a machined flat to accept the pin, ensuring the cam sprocket is correctly clocked. When you order, just make sure the kit description states it is for your specific engine that uses a pin. I’ve used these on several LS engine builds, and they fit and function perfectly, maintaining the factory alignment method but with massively improved strength.
How critical are these bolts for overall vehicle performance and safety?
They are one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components. Think of it this way: if this single bolt fails, your camshaft timing is instantly lost. At best, the engine will stop running. At worst, the pistons can collide with the valves, resulting in bent valves, broken pistons, and a completely destroyed cylinder head or engine block. Using a high-quality set of ARP cam bolts for vehicle performance and safety is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent this kind of catastrophic failure. For the cost, it’s the best insurance policy you can buy for your engine.