Automotive Racing Products (ARP) has provided enthusiasts with a diversified solution to OEM fasteners since 1968. The company’s goal is to provide a solution for virtually every application possible, from OEM replacement components, to NASCAR and drag-racing applications.
This ’53 Studebaker features a modern LS engine built by Keith Dorton of Automotive Specialists which uses ARP fasteners
We caught up with Chris Raschke from ARP during this year’s SEMA Show. Raschke explains that no matter what application enthusiasts have, ARP has a stud or fastener to supply the demand for an innovative solution. Raschke says, “Too often, enthusiasts are under the impression that stainless steel hardware is not strong enough. Grade-eight commercial hardware only has 150,000 psi of tensile-strength. The lowest we provide in stainless steel is 185,000 psi.”
Raschke continued, “We can offer different materials with different strengths which are dependent upon your application and your level of performance needs. That includes every bolt, stud, or nut you can imagine, for any manufacturer.”
ARP’s fasteners are designed to provide optimum reliability, and are available in a wide array of material choices and tensile strengths, ranging from as low as 185,000 psi to as high as 300,000 psi. Enthusiasts can also choose the size, length, and diameter needed for custom-fabricated applications.
Raschke adds, “It’s very critical when replacing rod bolts that all of the threads engage correctly.” ARP’s line of Wave-Loc High-Performance hardware uses an exclusive technology called Wave-Loc, which is used to eliminate stress risers that knurls cut into bolt holes.
ARP had an assortment of engines on display in its booth to demonstrate the versatility and the sheer number of applications the company manufactures hardware for. This included a Ford EcoBoost GT class racing engine, a LS-based engine that powered the SpeedDemon record-setting salt-flats racer, and even a Cummins diesel engine.