I'm about to slap the heads back onto my 3VZE and need head bolts. I was about to purchase the Topline set as recommended, but came across a cheaper set on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110893800988...84.m1423.l2649

Are these head bolts considered acceptable to use or will they cause a headache somewhere down the line? I know the price difference isn't a whole lot, but why spend more than I need to for a set of bolts?

 

I'm not sure about the ones on ebay, but I'm using engnblder.com. I shot him an email and he seems like a great guy. He took the time to share his knowledge with me and that goes a long way in my book plus he has a great reputation on this site. Check his stuff out and if you have any questions send him an email.

 

Those were the ones I was initially going to buy, but if these bolts will do the job just as good, I might just grab a set of these since they're local to me.

 

I just got done with one of my 3vze engines and i had the same question as you. and from what i was told, you get what you pay for! the possibility's of buying cheep head bolts is they will stretch when the motor is at running temperature. allowing the ever so famous 3vze head gasket to blow. so if i were you i would get the enginebulderinc ones. it will be worth the extra cost.

 

Get em from NAPA

 

If you're really worried about it, buy a set of ARP head studs.

 

I really wish there were stricter standards for manufacturers to produce a part that truly replaced an oem part without question or second guessing.

Anyone else with any insight?

 

Why? Its not any cheaper than the topline set from engnbldr.com so I cant see a reason to run to NAPA.

 

Not worried enough to shell out almost $200 on a set of studs from ARP.

 

I wouldn't skim on parts like this. and i sure aint paying $$$ for bolts though. Haven't had any issues with anything from engnbldr.

 

If the cheaper head bolts are quality, just less expensive in price, it wouldn't be considered skimming. Only problem is....there's not much info on the quality of these ebay bolts.