ARP Head Stud Kit for Honda Fit L15A 1.5L SOHC (09-13)

ARP Head Stud Kit for Honda Fit L15A 1.5L SOHC - Part #208-4308

Turbo GE8 Fits exist, and every one of them runs into the same wall: the factory L15A head bolts are torque-to-yield hardware sized for 117 horsepower, and the first time you add boost the head gasket becomes the weak point. ARP's 208-4308 is the head stud kit for the Honda 1.5L L15 SOHC engine, and it's the piece that lets a boosted or high-compression Fit keep its head gasket where it belongs.

What It Is and Why It Works

Studs clamp better than bolts because the fastener stretches on one axis while you torque the nut, instead of twisting against the block threads. That gives you a more accurate, more even clamp load across the deck, which is what keeps an MLS gasket sealed on a small-bore engine running more cylinder pressure than Honda planned. ARP machines these from 8740 chromoly heat treated to 190,000 psi, centerless grinds them straight, and rolls the threads after heat treat. The kit drops in place of the factory head bolts with no machining to the head or block, and the 12-point nuts, hardened washers, and ARP assembly lube come in the box. ARP catalogs it for the Honda 1.5L L15 SOHC 16-valve, which is the L15A7 in the 2009-2013 Fit.

Specs

Fitment

This is the SOHC L15 kit. The 2007-2008 GD Fit's L15A1 is the same SOHC 16-valve family and is likely covered, but it is not on ARP's chart, so confirm before ordering. The 2015 and up Fit's L15B is a DOHC direct-injection engine with a different head and is not covered.

What to Know Before You Buy

If the head is coming off for a gasket, a rebuild, or a turbo kit, do the studs then; it's no extra labor and it makes the next head gasket job easier, because the head slides down over studs that are already aligned. Use the torque figures and the lube on the ARP card, not the Honda service manual numbers, which assume oiled factory bolts. Put a Cometic MLS head gasket under it on any boosted build. On a stock naturally aspirated Fit that's staying stock, the factory bolts are fine and this kit is money better spent elsewhere; it earns its keep when power goes up.