Are ARP head bolts really needed for a mild build?

Washers can't hurt so long as the threads are long enough. If you washers--like arp does, then the bolt should be a bit longer. One extra thread, turn of the bolt can make a difference
I agree....T.S.C. has a good selection of leangths,,,you may even have to cut some threads off,,,better that (what she said) then to short!!!