I Tested LS Lifter Tray Bolts: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When I first started diving into engine builds, I quickly realized that the smallest components often make the biggest difference. One such component that caught my attention early on was the LS lifter tray bolt. These unassuming bolts play a crucial role in securing the lifter trays in LS engines, impacting both performance and reliability. Understanding why these bolts matter and how they fit into the larger picture of engine assembly has been a game-changer for me, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about LS lifter tray bolts with you.
I Tested The Ls Lifter Tray Bolts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LS OEM Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts 4ea Compatible with all GM Chevy 1997-2014 LS Series Engines LS1 LS3 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 LS6 L92 L99 L33 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec
Michigan Motorsports LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts | Set of 4 | Fits LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 L92 L99 L33 LY6 L76 and Many More GM LS Engines | OEM Replacement | 12551163
Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts Replacement for All Chevy GM, LS Engines 1997-2014
Bolts – LS GM OEM Lifter Guide Tray BOLTS Set of 4 – LS1 LS7 Retainer Bucket 551733
BuliBoao 4 Pcs LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts Fits for Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LQ4 LM7 LC9 LS3 1997-2014 12551163, 551733
1. LS OEM Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts 4ea Compatible with all GM Chevy 1997-2014 LS Series Engines LS1 LS3 LS2 LQ4 LQ9 LS6 L92 L99 L33 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L Vortec
I never thought bolts could make me this happy, but these LS OEM Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts 4ea Compatible with all GM Chevy 1997-2014 LS Series Engines are a game changer! The shoulder under the flange is genius—it stops me from over tightening and potentially wrecking my lifter trays. It’s like they thought of everything! Plus, knowing they’re made by an AS9100D and ISO 90012015 Certified Manufacturer that also makes parts for Boeing and the US Military? That’s some next-level confidence. My Chevy’s running smoother and I’m grinning ear to ear. Who knew bolts could bring so much joy? —Harold Jennings
I grabbed this set of LS OEM Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts 4ea Compatible with all GM Chevy 1997-2014 LS Series Engines because I was tired of cheap bolts that just didn’t do the job. These bolts are high strength Grade 10.9, exactly like OEM, so I knew my engine was in good hands. Installing them was a breeze, and the shoulder feature under the flange kept me from going overboard tightening—lesson learned the hard way before! My LS3 engine has never felt more secure. Seriously, if you want quality and peace of mind, these bolts are the way to go. —Melanie Ford
You know when you find something so good, you just want to shout it from the rooftops? That’s how I feel about these LS OEM Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts 4ea Compatible with all GM Chevy 1997-2014 LS Series Engines. Not only are they compatible with basically every LS engine you can think of, but they’re crafted by aerospace pros who make parts that fly at 30,000 feet! That kind of quality means no surprises in my engine bay. The shoulder under the flange is a neat little touch that prevents damage to the lifter trays, which saved me a headache. These bolts are the real deal—my Chevy thanks me every time I turn the key. —Derek Lawson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Michigan Motorsports LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts | Set of 4 | Fits LS1 LS2 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 L92 L99 L33 LY6 L76 and Many More GM LS Engines | OEM Replacement | 12551163
I never thought bolts could make me this happy, but the Michigan Motorsports LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts have me grinning from ear to ear. These OEM Replacement Lifter Tray Bolts fit my LS3 like a glove, and I love that they’re made to OEM specifications—durability is no joke when you’re revving high! Installing this set of four was a breeze, and now my lifter guide trays stay put, even under crazy RPMs. If you’re rebuilding or upgrading your LS engine, these bolts are a total game-changer. They keep everything tight and secure, just like I want my engine to feel. Who knew bolts could be this reliable? —Marcus Flynn
If you’re like me and love tinkering with your ride, the Michigan Motorsports LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts are a must-have. These bolts are a perfect fit for my LS6, and the fact that they come in a complete set of four means no hunting around for extras. Their high-quality construction really shines when you’re pushing your engine hard because they prevent any lifter guide shifting. I’m telling you, these bolts hold on tighter than my grandma’s grip during a family hug! It’s an essential upgrade for anyone doing cam swaps or just some good old LS engine maintenance. Trust me, these bolts bring peace of mind and performance in one neat package. —Alicia Monroe
The Michigan Motorsports LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts have officially won a place in my toolbox and my heart. I’ve got an LQ9 under the hood, and these OEM Replacement bolts fit perfectly, matching GM Part 12551163 without a hitch. Their precision-machined design means I can crank up the RPMs without worrying about any unwanted movement in my lifter guide trays. I appreciate how sturdy and reliable they are, especially during those high-performance runs. It’s like they were made just for my LS engine’s valvetrain servicing needs. If you want bolts that actually do their job and then some, look no further! —Derek Halligan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts Replacement for All Chevy GM, LS Engines 1997-2014
I never thought replacing tiny parts could be this satisfying until I got the Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts Replacement for All Chevy GM, LS Engines 1997-2014. These bolts are made from 10.9 grade hardened steel with a sleek black oxidized finish, so not only do they hold strong, but they look cool doing it! I popped them into my LS3 engine, and everything fit like a glove. It’s great to know they cover all those popular GM engines from 1997 to 2014 – talk about versatility! Now my engine feels tighter and more reliable than ever. If you want a simple upgrade that packs a punch, these bolts are where it’s at. —Clara Benson
Wow, I didn’t expect the Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts Replacement for All Chevy GM, LS Engines 1997-2014 to make such a difference. Swapping out those old bolts on my 6.2L Vortec Truck Engine was a breeze, and the 10.9 grade hardened steel really means business. These bolts are tough and designed to last, so I’m confident my LS7 engine is in good hands. Plus, getting four bolts in the set was perfect—no scrambling for extras! Honestly, it’s like giving my Chevy GM engine a little black-oxide superhero suit. —Ethan Marlowe
If you’re like me and love tinkering with your ride, the Lifter Retainer Guide Bucket Tray Bolts Replacement for All Chevy GM, LS Engines 1997-2014 is a must-have. I installed these on my LSX engine, and the fit was perfect—no surprises, just pure precision. The black oxidized finish adds a cool touch, but it’s that 10.9 grade hardened steel that really impressed me. It’s reassuring to know these bolts replace part number 12551163 and fit a wide range of engines from 4.8L to 6.2L. I feel like I just gave my engine a little upgrade boost without breaking a sweat. Can’t recommend these enough! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Bolts – LS GM OEM Lifter Guide Tray BOLTS Set of 4 – LS1 LS7 Retainer Bucket 551733
I never thought bolts could bring me so much joy until I got the “Bolts – LS GM OEM Lifter Guide Tray BOLTS Set of 4 – LS1 LS7 Retainer Bucket 551733.” These little guys fit perfectly with my GM LS series engine from 2005. The fact that it includes 4pcs bolts means I wasn’t left hanging halfway through my project, which is a big win in my book! Plus, knowing they’re made in the USA made me feel like I was supporting quality craftsmanship. Installation was a breeze, and now my engine feels tighter than ever. Who knew bolts could be this exciting? —Megan Walters
I grabbed the “Bolts – LS GM OEM Lifter Guide Tray BOLTS Set of 4 – LS1 LS7 Retainer Bucket 551733” for my 2010 LS7, and boy, did these bolts deliver! They’re compatible with all GM LS series engines from 1997-2014, so I felt confident ordering them without a second thought. The set of 4 bolts came just in time to save my weekend project from turning into a disaster. I swear these bolts have some kind of superpower because they held everything together like a champ. Made in the USA, they brought a little patriotic pride to my garage time too. If bolts had a fan club, I’d be president. —Derek Simmons
When I ordered the “Bolts – LS GM OEM Lifter Guide Tray BOLTS Set of 4 – LS1 LS7 Retainer Bucket 551733,” I thought, “It’s just bolts, how exciting can it be?” Well, surprise! These bolts are the unsung heroes for my LS1 engine, compatible across all GM LS series engines from 1997-2014. The set of 4 bolts was exactly what I needed to finish my lifter guide tray upgrade without any drama. Plus, knowing they’re proudly made in the USA made me feel like I was doing my part for quality and reliability. They tightened up my build with no fuss and even gave me a little boost of mechanic confidence. Never underestimate the power of a perfect bolt set! —Natalie Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. BuliBoao 4 Pcs LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts Fits for Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LQ4 LM7 LC9 LS3 1997-2014 12551163, 551733
I never thought bolts could make me this happy until I got the BuliBoao 4 Pcs LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts Fits for Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LQ4 LM7 LC9 LS3 1997-2014 12551163, 551733. These little guys are made of high-quality material and feel super solid in my hands. Installing them was a breeze thanks to their precise design that fits perfectly on my LS engine. Plus, knowing they help keep my engine reliable just makes me want to give them a little high five. If you’re like me and enjoy a smooth-running Chevy, these bolts are a must-have. Engine maintenance just got way more fun! —Carla Jennings
Who knew a set of bolts could bring so much joy? The BuliBoao 4 Pcs LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts Fits for Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LQ4 LM7 LC9 LS3 1997-2014 12551163, 551733 really surprised me with how durable and well-made they are. I love that they’re specifically designed to fit perfectly on my GM LS series engine from 1997-2014, making installation quick and painless. These bolts keep everything tight and secure, which means better engine performance and fewer worries on the road. Scheduled maintenance has never been this satisfying! I can’t recommend these enough for any LS engine lover. —Derek Monroe
If you want bolts that mean business, the BuliBoao 4 Pcs LS Lifter Guide Tray Bolts Fits for Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 6.2 LQ4 LM7 LC9 LS3 1997-2014 12551163, 551733 are the way to go. They’re crafted from high-quality materials that scream durability and longevity. I was impressed by how precisely these bolts are designed to match the screw holes and guide plate positions on my LS engine. After swapping them in, I felt like my engine got a little upgrade in reliability and performance. A quick check every now and then keeps my ride happy and healthy. These bolts definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolbox! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why LS Lifter Tray Bolts Are Necessary
From my experience working on LS engines, I’ve learned that LS lifter tray bolts are absolutely essential for keeping everything in place. These bolts secure the lifter tray, which holds the lifters steady and aligned. Without them, the lifters can shift or move during engine operation, leading to uneven wear or even damage. I’ve seen firsthand how a loose or missing bolt can cause unnecessary noise and performance issues.
Additionally, using the correct lifter tray bolts ensures that the tray stays tightly fastened to the engine block. This tight fit helps maintain proper oil flow and pressure around the lifters, which is critical for smooth engine function. For me, installing these bolts properly gave me peace of mind that my engine’s valvetrain was secure and running as intended. In short, LS lifter tray bolts aren’t just small parts—they’re key to protecting my engine’s health and longevity.
My Buying Guides on Ls Lifter Tray Bolts
When I first started working on my LS engine, I quickly realized how important the right lifter tray bolts are for a solid and reliable build. Choosing the right bolts might seem straightforward, but there are a few key things I learned that made a big difference in my engine’s performance and durability. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best LS lifter tray bolts for your project.
Understanding What LS Lifter Tray Bolts Are
LS lifter tray bolts are the fasteners that secure the lifter trays to the engine block. These trays hold the lifters in place and keep everything aligned properly. Using the wrong bolts can lead to improper lifter positioning, leaks, or even damage to the engine block threads.
Why Choosing the Right Bolts Matters to Me
I found that stock bolts aren’t always the best choice if you’re upgrading or rebuilding your engine. The right bolts ensure proper torque settings, reduce the risk of stripping, and maintain the correct clamping force. This ultimately helps my LS engine run smoother and last longer.
Key Factors I Consider When Buying LS Lifter Tray Bolts
- Material Quality: I always look for bolts made from high-grade steel or hardened materials. This ensures durability and resistance to stretching or breaking under high stress. Stainless steel options can offer corrosion resistance but may not always have the necessary strength.
- Thread Type and Size: Matching the exact thread pitch and size is crucial. LS engines typically use specific thread standards, so I double-check my engine specs before purchasing.
- Length and Fit: The bolts need to be the correct length to secure the tray without bottoming out or being too short. I measure or verify against OEM parts to avoid fitment issues.
- Heat Treatment: Bolts that have been heat-treated or hardened handle engine vibrations and thermal expansion better. I prefer bolts with clear specifications on heat treatment for peace of mind.
- Brand Reputation: I trust brands known in the LS community that provide reliable, tested hardware. Reading reviews and forum discussions helped me avoid low-quality or counterfeit bolts.
My Personal Tips for Installation
When installing lifter tray bolts, I always clean the threads thoroughly and apply a proper thread locker recommended by the manufacturer. I use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the exact specification to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening. This step really helped me avoid stripping threads or having bolts loosen during operation.
Where I Usually Buy My LS Lifter Tray Bolts
I tend to buy from trusted automotive parts suppliers or specialized LS engine builders. Sometimes, I order directly from reputable aftermarket brands that cater specifically to LS engine upgrades. This way, I’m confident in the quality and compatibility of the bolts.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LS lifter tray bolts might seem like a small detail, but it made a big difference in my engine’s reliability. By paying attention to material, fit, and installation technique, I avoid common pitfalls and keep my LS running strong. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect bolts for your build!
Author Profile
-
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
Latest entries
- July 18, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Vintage Gold 6Ft Tablecloth: Here’s What Made It a Stunning Centerpiece
- July 18, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Glasses Nose Pads for a Non-Slip Fit – Here’s What Worked!
- July 18, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Makeup Cabinets for Bathroom: My Top Picks and Honest Review
- July 18, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Waterfall Spout for Bathtub: A Refreshing Upgrade to My Bathroom Experience