Head Bolts....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Head Bolts....
The head bolts that I pulled off of the LS4 engine are pretty rusted and I don't feel like chancing it. Could I in theory take the head bolts to Lowe's and match them up with some Grade 8 bolts of the same size, or is this a no-no? I can't really see any reason why this wouldn't be work.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Re: Head Bolts.... (bence13_33)
No you need to have specific lengths and specific hardness. Lowes bolts are cheap low grade bolts. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish. You are spending good money on the motor get some good head bolts. I used ARP they are pricey but I have no worries about them. I would not risk it
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:53 PM 12/7/2001]
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:53 PM 12/7/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,744
Likes: 1
From: delmont pa
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Head Bolts.... (79er)
becareful of aftermarket bolts as they may be longer than stock because they are used with washers and if you do not use the washers the bolts may bottom out before they are torqued up to specs, :chevy
[Modified by clem zahrobsky, 7:12 PM 12/7/2001]
[Modified by clem zahrobsky, 7:12 PM 12/7/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,795
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From: Regina Saskatchewan, Canada.
Re: Head Bolts.... (bence13_33)
Bence, these guys are right. By all means, get the right bolts!! I bought ARP head bolts specific for my Brodix heads. They were expensive, but also not an area you want to skimp on.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Head Bolts.... (bence13_33)
If your really going to work on motors. studs are the only way to go! I have studded nearly everything. It's money, but I never think about this or that getting loose. I hope that you own your vette as long as me. I've had lean years and women and other cars have come and gone. But my old Vette keeps :) I bought it new and I never have a late model with $600+ car payment to keep up. I payed cash for my 79 L82 with less than 2 miles on it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Re: Head Bolts.... (gkull)
I agree that studs are the best.... but sometimes you can't use them. For examples, on a LS5 with A/C, the passenger side lower rear bolt cannot be completely removed until the head is slid forward... this prevents studs from being used. Other cars have power brake interference. You have to make sure you have head remove/install clearance if you want to use studs. Otherwise you have to pull the engine to remove/install the heads. It can also be a little more difficult to remove heads that have studs because you cannot "rock" the head to help break the gasket free. But studs definitely rule.
On the hardware store bolt issue... as posted, the length is critical. Also, correct bolts have the head ground perfectly perpendicular to the shank for even clamping pressure. Hardware store bolts are not machined to this degree of accuracy, even though they may be of the proper grade. Hardware store bolts will usually have a slight taper under the head as well. Technically, if you cut them to the proper length, you could *maybe* get away with using them. But then... we would have to call you Bubba. :)
On the hardware store bolt issue... as posted, the length is critical. Also, correct bolts have the head ground perfectly perpendicular to the shank for even clamping pressure. Hardware store bolts are not machined to this degree of accuracy, even though they may be of the proper grade. Hardware store bolts will usually have a slight taper under the head as well. Technically, if you cut them to the proper length, you could *maybe* get away with using them. But then... we would have to call you Bubba. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: delmont pa
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Head Bolts.... (gkull)
unless you are running very high compression or take the heads off and on frequently studs are not needed. i have built BB blower boat engines with 800+ HP and head bolts work fine. the only real case for studs is a chevy 400 block because of the closeness of the bolt holes to the bores. :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Head Bolts.... (bence13_33)
Well, Lowe's does have some good grade bolts (Home Depot and other hardware stores can't compare to Lowe's), and even some actual automotive bolts. I just saw some body mount bolts 1/4" x 20 x 3/4" which hold the rear bumper onto the frame.
However, as others have pointed out although the bolts are of proper grade they are for industrial and construction purposes and not machined to a degree necessary for high torque and precision purposes like head bolts. As I mentioned Lowe's does have some automotive bolts, but I did not see any that were long enough for head bolts.
However, as others have pointed out although the bolts are of proper grade they are for industrial and construction purposes and not machined to a degree necessary for high torque and precision purposes like head bolts. As I mentioned Lowe's does have some automotive bolts, but I did not see any that were long enough for head bolts.