Aluminum Head Torque Specs
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The proper torque for heads is dependent on the material in the heads and the brand of bolts you intend to use. Most head manufacturers specify the bolts to be used and the torque to be applied, as well as the method of torque application (dry, lubricated, staged torque application, etc. etc.). For best results, follow the head mfgrs. recommendations. If you decide to 'do your own thing', at least get head bolts made for attaching aluminum to steel.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
The proper torque for heads is dependent on the material in the heads and the brand of bolts you intend to use. Most head manufacturers specify the bolts to be used and the torque to be applied, as well as the method of torque application (dry, lubricated, staged torque application, etc. etc.). For best results, follow the head mfgrs. recommendations. If you decide to 'do your own thing', at least get head bolts made for attaching aluminum to steel.
Now, if the bolts are ARP, then it is paramount that moly lube supplied by ARP be used as well as their recommended torque specs, which can be found on their web site.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Ok...now, torque is 35 lbs for 3/8" bolts, dry....
whatever you do, do not use ss bolts with aluminum unless you use anti seize on the threads...
Spark plugs...I just tighten them till there is significant reisitance, but you may try 20 lbs
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Actually, you need to use more torque for dry bolts than for lubricated bolts (assuming you are using the same bolts). What you are trying to accomplish is to get the bolts into a plastic deformation state..or a specific amount of 'stretch' in the bolt...for best retention. If you lube the threads, that point of 'stretch' will be reached with less effort--or lower torque. Should you apply 'dry' torque specs to a lubed bolt, you might just pop the head off of it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
all bolt torque specs published are dry...exception ARP bolts....
the reason to put a couple of drops of oil on the threads is to eliminate excessive resistance and not to gall the threads...
That's been the practice I've used in all the rebuilds..couple drops of oil, torque per bolt spec dry. Never had a problem, ever.
the reason to put a couple of drops of oil on the threads is to eliminate excessive resistance and not to gall the threads...
That's been the practice I've used in all the rebuilds..couple drops of oil, torque per bolt spec dry. Never had a problem, ever.