Head bolt tap size?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 680
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From: charlotte N.C
Head bolt tap size?
I have disassembled my 76 engine to paint and inspect. Now I can start putting everything back together. The treads on the head bolts need to be completely clean so dirt and grease doesn't affect the torque spec. Does anyone know what size is tap and die for head bolts and the threads in the block. I am pretty sure I know what it is but when working on parts of the block I start to second guess myself. 
Also what type of head gasket do I use? It is an all matching number car so there isn't anything special about the heads. I don't know if I should use the steel gasket or the composition gasket? Any other advise would be greatly appreciated. 
Also what type of head gasket do I use? It is an all matching number car so there isn't anything special about the heads. I don't know if I should use the steel gasket or the composition gasket? Any other advise would be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
dont use taps and dies to clean up the threads......use the thread chasing kits made by craftsman or from East wood.....they are made for cleaning threads not cutting them.....its a big difference especially with poor quality taps and dies.....one kit has everything you need both fine, coarse and metric and they cost about $40...you will love this kit i use it more then you can imagine
