This Head Stud Replacement Kit Works on Every Duramax From 2001–2016

If you own a Duramax and want it to run harder, longer, and cooler under pressure, there's one upgrade you shouldn't skip. The Duramax head stud kit is a game-changer for diesel trucks running high boost or doing heavy-duty work. From LB7 to LML, it keeps your heads sealed tight and your engine running clean.

You’ve probably heard about blown head gaskets when pushing power. That’s where this kit steps in. It replaces your stock bolts with stronger studs built to handle serious pressure. Whether you're towing, racing, or daily driving with a tuned setup, this simple upgrade gives your engine real support.

Here’s what makes this head stud kit worth every cent, especially if you're chasing performance and peace of mind.

Stock bolts do the job for a while. But once you crank up the boost or hit higher temps, they start to stretch. That’s when cylinder pressure leaks out and gaskets start failing. This stud kit fixes that before it becomes a headache.

Made by Xotic Performance, the CP877 kit includes 36 high tensile studs, 36 matching nuts, 36 washers, 8 rocker bolts, lube, and a guide. You get everything needed for a full head stud replacement. These aren’t regular bolts either. They're made from heavy-duty steel alloy and stay tight under load. That means less warping and fewer leaks, even under strain.

And yes, it works across all Duramax engines from 2001 to 2016. That covers LB7, LLY, LBZ, LMM, and LML generations.

Your 6.6L Duramax needs extra muscle when things get hot. These studs handle that job well. From high RPM pulls to long hauls with big loads, they keep the heads clamped down with no drama. They’re also perfect if you're doing any work under the valve covers like injector swaps or turbo upgrades.

Each stud has a broached end for smooth installation. That makes the threading process easier and helps prevent costly cross-threading. The washers are hardened and flat-ground for better load spread. That keeps pressure even and helps avoid hot spots around the head gasket.

The high tensile studs are built to hold tight even above 45 psi of boost. That’s more than what most tuned Duramax setups push. And even if you’re not building a race truck, it means more durability for towing or hauling.

This full diesel engine studs kit is priced at $319.23. That’s a fair deal considering what it includes and the years of use it supports. It fits 2001 through 2016 Duramax engines without any extras needed.

You also get free returns on Amazon if anything’s off. That gives you some breathing room if you change your mind or hit a snag during install.

When you're shopping for Duramax performance parts, this stud kit should be on the short list. It holds its own against brands that charge $100 or more for the same outcome. Users with 900+ HP builds report no gasket leaks even under stress. Others with daily drivers say they sleep better knowing the heads won’t lift on a long tow.

One sled puller mentioned running over 45 psi across three seasons with zero failures. Another user said they blew two gaskets at 30 psi before swapping to this kit—no issues since. That’s the kind of real-world feedback that builds trust fast.

If you’re decent with tools, the job takes a weekend. Most installs take 12 to 16 hours if you're careful. Pros can finish in under 10. You’ll need:

• Torque wrench (up to 220 ft-lbs)
• Angle gauge
• Socket set
• Thread chaser
• Shop towels
• Cleaning spray

Steps include pulling off the intake, valve covers, and exhaust manifolds. Then you remove the heads, clean everything, and torque the studs in three passes: 60, 120, and 220 ft-lbs. Using the included lube is important to get the torque right.

One mistake to avoid? Don’t skip cleaning out the threads. Dirty block threads mess with torque readings. Also, double-check your torque sequence. It matters.

You’ll find a solid 4.8-star rating on this product with over 130 verified reviews. Most users praise the build quality and how easy it is to install with the provided guide. Some say the install takes time, but the payoff is worth it.

A few noted the initial firmness of torquing but called it a non-issue once installed. One LBZ owner said their truck runs 38 psi with zero signs of gasket failure 50,000 miles later.

Others mentioned how it helped solve coolant leaks and kept everything sealed on longer road trips and heavy towing hauls.

This kit is perfect if you:

• Push higher boost or plan to tune your Duramax
• Tow often or carry heavy loads
• Want stronger engine support for long-term use
• Are fixing a blown head gasket the right way

You don’t need a bunch of add-ons. Just this kit and basic tools. And it works across five Duramax generations without mods. That’s a solid Chevy Duramax upgrade.

This Duramax head stud kit packs serious strength in a small box. At just over $319, it gives your engine the protection it needs without going over budget. It’s a solid upgrade for anyone pushing their Duramax a little harder.

Let’s keep it simple—if you’re building for power or towing confidence, this kit belongs in your cart. Check it out on Amazon and see why so many diesel owners swear by it.