Ok, right now I am rebuilding the engine for my R53. Used 74k long block on the way. My plan is to fully rebuild the head and replace all seals and gaskets from top to bottom with a rebuild kit (VR). Leaving the bottom end alone outside of gaskets and seals.

Now, is putting in an ARP head stud kit worth it vs the

 

Personally I say yes, if nothing else for the fact they are reusable, factory head bolts should only be torqued and used once.

 

Anybody know the part number I need? ARP site just goes to a head bolt kit when you put in A Cooper S. Not a stud kit.

I'm looking at the one from WMW for $129, but I'd like to know the kit part number.

 

Arp 201-4301?

 

If you shop around for the Arp studs the price difference isn't that big. I was torn myself, but since I've had the head off 3 times since for various reasons, they have paid for themselves twice over.

 

I agree.

 

if you planning on doing a lot of mods, then yes, if your building back to stock and selling within the next 5 years.... prolly not

 

Yes, that is the the correct part number.

All depends on what you plan to do with the car. These cars don't produce enough cylinder pressure to start lifting heads with pulley kits, so if you're just rebuilding a DD you probably don't NEED them, but the advantages to them are worth the extra couple bucks over the factory TTY bolts.

Not to mention, they come with stickers. Who doesn't like stickers?


We have them on the shelf ready to ship.
ARP Headstuds

 

It will be a fun DD for a couple years, but it will slowly be built up to track at Road Atlanta.I don't want to take it past being uncomfortable to cruise around in, but track weekends are the goal.

I only paid $1,800 for the car. So, it's the perfect price point for a track project and leaves me with other funds for a larger daily driver later. 3 kids...and most hobbies I have can't home home in the trunk of a Mini.