Engine Mechanical
Head Bolt
Head bolts clamp the cylinder head to the engine block and hold the head gasket under even pressure. We list 36 head bolt sets from $13 to $104 for engines from 1975-2019, from Felpro, Mahle, SKP and VR Gaskets, with fits for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Malibu, Honda Civic and Ford F150.
Shop head bolt by vehicle
Why new head bolts are often needed
Many modern engines use torque to yield head bolts. They stretch slightly when tightened to their final angle and should not be reused, because a stretched bolt will not clamp the gasket as it should. Many listings here note that replacement is recommended.
Even where the factory allows reuse, old bolts with damaged threads, corrosion or visible necking should be replaced.
Picking the right set
Head bolts are specific to the engine, and some engines use bolts of more than one length. Sets in this category come as 10 piece or 15 piece kits, some with washers. Check the count you need for one head or both heads on a V engine.
Use the fitment table to confirm engine size and year, and compare the bolt length and head style with the old ones. Some sets are also listed for LS swap engines.
Installation tips
Clean the threaded holes in the block so the bolts tighten to the correct load. Debris or old coolant in a hole can give a false torque reading or crack the block.
Follow the maker's tightening sequence, torque values and any final angle steps exactly. Lightly oil threads only where the instructions say to. A torque wrench and an angle gauge are standard tools for this job.
Head Bolt questions
Can I reuse cylinder head bolts?
Not if your engine uses torque to yield bolts, which stretch during tightening. Check the service manual. When in doubt, use new bolts with a new head gasket.
Do head gasket kits include head bolts?
Usually not. Many head gasket sets are sold without bolts, so order a matching head bolt set at the same time. Check the gasket set contents to be sure.
What is the tightening sequence for head bolts?
Most engines tighten from the center outward in a spiral, in several steps. Follow the exact sequence and values for your engine from the service manual or the bolt instructions.