Hi, all I'm currently rebuilding my M5 diesel, and noticed that some of the head studs are pitted due to corrosion. I thought while I was at it, I would replace all the critical studs and bolts in this engine, including the rod bolts. I called ARP, and it didn't sound all that good. They don't normally make 5/8" studs, and the rod bolts would have to be custom made as well. The 9/16" studs they have without a problem. They are still working up a formal quote, but the guy I spoke with said the rod bolts alone would be $400 - $500. Almost all of that cost is machine setup time. The first bolt is very expensive, but if they ran a hundred or so of them, the individual cost isn't nearly so high. He didn't give me an idea what the 5/8" studs would cost. The material would be their typical chrome-moly, with a tensil strength of around 190,000 psi. I am posing this question: Is anyone out there needing rod bolts, head studs, or other fasteners for this engine? If so, possibly we could go in together and the cost wouldn't be so high. The other obvious question is: Is there a source out there for rod bolts and head studs that doesn't cost $50 each? Any information, ideas, or comments are appreciated. Thanks, Mike Stanton
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