There are six types of metallurgical failures that affect fasteners. Each type has unique identifying physical characteristics. The following examples are designed to be used like a spark plug reading chart to help analyse fastener failures.
For builders using ARP products, the company has been very clear in its written policy: “ARP provides torque specs for our fasteners based on using ARP Ultra-Torque. If you’re not using our specs and our lube, you have no real idea what pre-load you’re getting.”
Every component in your engine is held together by fasteners designed for a specific purpose. The quality of those fasteners is your insurance against poor performance and RUD; Rapid Unintended Disassembly.