Early LS Head Stud Installation Guide (1999–2003 Gen III, 12-Point) — CP887

This guide covers installation of the XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ CP887 12-point head stud kit for 1999–2003 Chevrolet Gen III LS small blocks — 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L. Running a 2004+ LS where all primary head bolts are the same length? That's the CP883 kit and guide instead. Prefer a printable copy? Download the PDF manual.

Why the early LS needs head studs

Factory OEM head bolts are torque-to-yield: you torque them to a specified value, then add a final 90° rotation that stretches the bolt to its maximum point. That works at stock power levels. But when you add parts that increase horsepower — a supercharger, turbo kit, nitrous, or a tune — you create higher cylinder pressures lower in your RPM range, and the clamping force securing the gasket, head, and block is no longer sufficient. The result: a blown head gasket. Gen III torque-to-yield bolts are also single-use — once removed, they're done.

Head studs are engineered to resist stretching. XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ head studs are manufactured from our premium XOTIC 7200 steel alloy, superior in tensile strength to any bolt, and backed by a lifetime warranty. The key to getting that strength into your engine is accurate preload — the tensile force generated when a fastener is tightened, creating clamp force in the joint. Everything in this guide is in service of achieving equal, accurate preload across all 30 studs.

What's in the CP887 kit

• 30 × head studs (XOTIC 7200 alloy) — 20 × M11 studs, 10 × M8 studs
• 30 × hardened parallel washers
• 30 × nuts
• 2 × sockets
• 2 × allen wrenches
• 1 × fastener assembly lubricant

Before you start: verify first

Confirm that part number CP887 is compatible with your application (2003-and-earlier Chevrolet Gen III LS — 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, or 6.2L) before installing any components. Inspect all package contents and clean as necessary to ensure accurate installation. Report any obvious defects or shipping damage to us before proceeding.

How to install head studs on a 1999–2003 Gen III LS

1. Clean the block threads. Clean the threads in the block prior to installing the studs to ensure proper fitment and accurate torque readings. Dedicated thread chasers make this fast and protect the threads: M11 x 2.00 (CS324) for the primary stud holes and M8 x 1.25 (CS317) for the 8mm holes.
2. Install the studs hand-tight — by size and location. Thread the head studs into the block by hand until snug; do not apply torque. Install the 8mm studs in locations 11–15 and the 11mm studs in locations 9–10, following the full stud layout in the manual's diagram.
3. Check stud height with a straightedge. Use a straightedge ruler to measure the distance from the mating surface (deck or main cap) to the top of each installed stud. Ensure all studs of the same length group sit level with each other (within 1 mm / 0.040”). Uneven height may indicate debris or incorrect thread engagement. Properly installed studs will bottom out smoothly and show uniform height across all positions. If a stud appears higher or lower than the others, remove it, re-clean the hole, and reinstall by hand. Do not use tools to force studs deeper. Incorrect stud seating can cause off-angle stress, uneven preload, or stud fracture during engine operation.
4. Set the gasket and head. Install the head gasket and cylinder head, ensuring proper alignment.
5. Clean the washer seating areas. Clean the washer seating surfaces on the cylinder head with a fast-evaporating solvent such as non-chlorinated brake cleaner to remove oil, grease, and contaminants. A clean surface is essential for achieving proper fastener preload.
6. Lubricate. Using the supplied fastener assembly lubricant, lubricate the stud threads and the bottom surface of the nuts.
7. Install the nuts. Thread the nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten until they make contact with the washers.
8. Torque in sequence. Follow the torque stages below in the numbered sequence shown in the manual's diagram.

1999–2003 Gen III LS head stud torque specs

11mm studs (nuts 1–10, three stages)

8mm studs (nuts 11–15)

Torque nuts 11 through 15 to 30 ft-lbs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the torque specs for 1999–2003 LS head studs?

11mm studs (nuts 1–10): three stages — 25 ft-lbs, then 50 ft-lbs, then a final pass at 70 ft-lbs, in the numbered sequence. 8mm studs (nuts 11–15): 30 ft-lbs.

Which LS engines does the CP887 kit fit?

2003-and-earlier Chevrolet Gen III LS small blocks — 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L.

What about my 2004+ LS?

2004+ engines with same-length primary head bolts use the CP883 kit — see our Gen III/IV LS head stud installation guide.

Why check stud height with a straightedge?

Uniform stud height confirms every stud bottomed out cleanly. A stud sitting high or low usually means debris or incorrect thread engagement — which causes off-angle stress and uneven preload once torqued. Pull it, re-clean the hole, and reinstall by hand.

Need help?

For technical support, email support@xotic-performance.com. All XOTIC PERFORMANCE™ fasteners are covered by our limited lifetime warranty. Finished your install? Tag #XOTICPERFORMANCE on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

© 2026 XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. This installation guide is an original copyrighted work of XOTIC PERFORMANCE™. Reproduction, distribution, or use of this content in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Doc ref: 2025.10.19 (web edition 2026.08).