on this one 
H.P. from torque sequence
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
H.P. from torque sequence
was watching a program on the speed channel a while back. i believe they were interviewing some NASCAR crews. one of the topics concerned torqueing the heads. one crew stated they had a "special sequence" for torqueing the heads that they had "developed" through trial and error and dyno testing. they claimed that what sequence they torqued the heads in (not how much torque but in what order they torqued the bolts) resulting in VERY substantial differences in how much H.P. the engine put out. like over 100 H.P. difference. what gives here? is this just some BUBBA B.S. or can there be any truth to this? why would the sequence make that much difference. after all the head remains in the same place and the size of the combustion chamber wouldn't change. any thoughts????
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I am skeptical that torquing the heads in some secret pattern is going to give you a horse power gain. The reason for torquing them in a certain order, usually no more a secret than starting with the middle bolts and working your way out is to get a good seal so the gasket does not blow. Once you have the good seal that's about all the HP your gonna see 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I agree I think it was BS. But it is important that you do torque the bolts in the right order. I usually do it 3 times to get to total torque needed. Or maybe they have strange blocks that they got from outerspace and so they have to torque another way than anyone else lol. The importance of torque in the right order is to keep the cylenders round and the head from distorting as well. That is why if a good machine shop bores your block they use torque plates. 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
I smell poo too...and you believe Ward Burton in that commercial about the engine needing to have it's fengshwe right to get more horsepower too, huh ? J/k 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
That's what is makes it fun. Snipe Hunting, Catfish Stumpin', Jackelope Trapping, and Bench Racing are always in style around here.
Sounds like diversion propaganda to keep the competition on a "fools errand". Next they will have a fuel jug with "Crazy Mark's Wild-**** Mix" on the side just to throw them off from the real deal. I bet it works even better if you are quick.
-Mark.
Sounds like diversion propaganda to keep the competition on a "fools errand". Next they will have a fuel jug with "Crazy Mark's Wild-**** Mix" on the side just to throw them off from the real deal. I bet it works even better if you are quick.
-Mark.