Am I ok to reuse the headbolts that were in there? They look to be in great shape and don't have a lot of miles on them. I've been told to just torque the 10-15lbs over spec
I have always used the original bolts and never had a problem,torqued to the original specs.. I had rather have the original bots and "know" they were USA made than take a chance on some foreign crap that can't be traced.
US made doesn't mean much, other than they probably were made using hyper-expensive unionized labour so they cut costs elsewhere. Besides, weren't el caminos made in mexico in the 80s? :lildevil:
I doubt the parts were made in Mex. ,just assembly ? I would have thought that that far back the bolts were probably ok and made here. The only sure way to tell is to have the bolts x-rayed . I used to get Piedmont/ US Air shops to X-ray/magnaflux the spar bolts on my airshow bird every two years to make sure they were ok.I got a friend that worked there to do it so it was free,but I don't know what it would cost to get the head bolts done today.
I don't have the money for new ones at the moment. I'm just going to reuse the old ones, they are in really good condition. I'm sure they will be just fine
Yes the originals will be fine along with original torque specs as noted above. I can't think of any engine bolts that are single use only. Even though some bolt on parts come with a new one (usually small). No need to spend $ unless you want to upgrade to something like the ARP's. But if you are using aluminum heads be sure to check the specs to see if a re-torque is recommended at an interval or interevals. Right LOCKJAW?
Thread sealer on all bolts entering water jacket. "NeverSieze compound recommended on all
others. Aluminum heads should be re-torqued after a few thousand miles. Rub it in, Randy!
I haven't ever replaced head bolts, on any brand of engine.
And I don't believe over-torque is a good idea, since the design of the block didn't need it. Engine blocks are not as strong and rigid as we may think, and over torque may be putting more than necessary stress around the threaded bolt holes, and on the threads themselves.....
On a stock, daily driver...sure use them again. NOT on a performance motor.
I never re-use any bolts...Toss them in a box under the bench for others to have fun with...been down that road 30 years ago...Can't see spending thousands on parts and save a few hundred on bolts?? But that's just me!
Go to Summit, and for about $30 you can get a set of new "Chevrolet Performance" head bolts, and sleep at night...
I agree on using new hardware on a hi-po engine, but a mild performance rebuild can do OK with the original bolts. Some folks like studs better than bolts......
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