I just ported the stock heads of my 96 SS and was wondering if I should reuse the headbolts or install a new set of ARP's???

 

Dude its 50 bucks for a new set (of ARP's) why take th chance

 

I wouldn't take the risk. Why take a chance on something like this when you can pick up some new ARP's for about $50?
Also, I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but a lot of our cars have head bolts that are not supposed to be reused. I forget the term for them.... torque to fit or stretch or something or other

 

"Torque stretch," don't reuse them.

 

Agreed. Torque to Yield bolts should never be reused.

 

I was on a budget and reused my 118,000 mile torque to yield head bolts. I cleaned them thoroughly and checked them through a tap-- reinstalled them. so far 20 miles and going strong.

 

No I would never reuse headbolts all that stress and presure put on them will cause them to strectch and once removed they are junk for reuse. Also ARP bolts are much nicer anyways.

 

Thanx guys. Actually I already purchased some new ARP's but the book said that you can reuse the stockers.

 

As long as the threads are not stripped or damaged, correct. I've reused head bolts 10 times without a problem.

 

96 was the first year of the "Torque to Yield" bolts.
93-95's used a standard head bolt. I reused mine and it's being going strong for the past tow years, numerous dyno runs and 400-500 passes down the track.

There is a limit on how many times that you can use the head bolts over, just make sure that if you use the Torque to Yield ones that you do not use them back over.