This is an important upgrade especially if you are running high compression or high boosting engines as to prevent head stretch.
Some information on the ARP studs :
"Obtaining the optimum cylinder head-to-block sealing is especially critical in small displacement engines employing high compression pistons or power adders like turbochargers, nitrous oxide and superchargers. That's why ARP® head studs are popular among leading Sport Compact/Import racers.
You should know that ARP® uses a premium grade 8740 alloy that is rated far superior to "aircraft" quality. Then, each stud is precisely heat-treated to 200,000 psi. Following heattreat, each stud is centerless ground to make it as close to perfectly concentric as possible. This procedure involves about ten very slight cuts and results in an exceptionally straight part. It's important to note that lesser quality studs are not even centerless ground—the material is thread rolled in bar stock form (mostly before heat-treat, when the material is easier to machine). Because ARP® studs are manufactured to such exacting tolerances, you will note that gaskets and cylinder heads literally glide into position and are perfectly aligned—something that won't happen with inferior quality head studs.
ARP® studs are thread rolled after heat-treat, which gives them about 1000% (that's ten times) better fatigue strength than those studs that are threaded prior to heat-treat.
You will also note that ARP® offers specially undercut studs for several engines. This procedure (done only to the shorter studs) more equalizes the "stretch" of both studs, which makes for a more consistent clamping force—one that compensates for head gasket compression when the head is installed. This helps prevent blown head gaskets, and assures optimum sealing!
Premium parallel ground washers are also included with each kit." Article from ARP website.
I bought this kit from RPW directly when I was in Perth. RPW are famous in Australia for the performance modifications on Mistsubishi's especially the older models. It was not cheap at AUD 295.00 for the head stud kit alone!
Some pictures:
The kit come with the stud, bolts, thick flat washers , ARP molybdenum assembly lube, installation guide (torque settings) and ARP sticker. ARP provides their own default torque values which is much higher than the manufacturers recommendation. This provides better sealing between the head and the gasket and ultimately much better reliability.
